PNG MARKS 51ST INDEPENDENCE WITH FLAG RAISING AT INDEPENDENCE HILL

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THE Nation’s capital marked Papua New Guinea 51st Independence Anniversary with two key national ceremonies: a dawn Flag Raising at Independence Hill and the Beating of the Retreat & Flag Lowering at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

The Flag Raising Ceremony was held at at Independence Hill, National Parliament, Waigani.

The morning began with the arrival of the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Lucas Manduru, Chief of State Protocol, followed by VIPs and invited guests, including Opposition Leader, James Nomane and other leaders of the Parliament, Prime Minister Minister Right Honorable James Marape and Lady Rachael Marape arrived in the connect PNG vehicle that the Prime Minister used in his travels last week.

The flag was blessed by Lt. Col. David N’Dramen, Chaplain of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Band lead “This is Our Flag”, while Gaire Primary School and the RPNGC Band lead “The National Song”. Gaire Primary School will also lead the reciting of the “National Pledge”.

Later in the day, the Beating of the Retreat & Flag Lowering Ceremony will take place at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
The dual ceremonies are expected to bring together government leaders, defence and police services, school children, and the public to reflect on PNG’s journey since Independence in 1975

There will also be other events marking the first year into the country’s golden anniversary at the Unagi Oval, Sir John Guise Stadium, Erima Mambu and Ela beach.