Port Moresby: Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Tuesday morning joined Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, and invited Pacific leaders, dignitaries, and distinguished guests at Independence Hill, Parliament precinct, for the historic dawn flag raising ceremony commemorating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The solemn and moving ceremony marked exactly 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained its independence in 1975.
In his address, Prime Minister Marape paid tribute to the founding leaders of Papua New Guinea, acknowledging their legacy while calling on the present generation to take pride and ownership of the nation.
Quoting the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy, PM Marape reminded Papua New Guineans to reflect on their role in nation-building: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
He further urged Papua New Guineans born in the 1970s and 1980s to rise and take up leadership roles, declaring: “The Somare leadership is no more. The Julius Chan leadership is no more. It is now time for people like you and me to take leadership of our country.”
The dawn ceremony was highlighted by a spectacular fly-past of fighter jets and the firing of 50 cannon shots to mark each year of Papua New Guinea’s independence.
Among the distinguished guests present was His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who joined Prime Minister Manele and other invited Pacific leaders in honoring this golden jubilee milestone.
The theme for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary is: “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future.”
– OPMC
