Flag flies high on Independence Hill

By DULCIE OREKE
INDEPENDENCE Hill in Port Moresby was coloured red, black and yellow as Papua New Guineans flocked there for the Independence Day flag-raising ceremony on Sunday.
The young and old were up as early at the break of dawn to be part of the event to mark the country’s 37th year of Independence.
The light showers did not dampen the people’s high spirits as they watched a 10-men team from the disciplined force prepare to hoist the country’s flag.
Anglican Archbishop Joseph Kopapa blessed the flag before it was positioned for hoisting.
Students sang the flag song before everyone joined in to sing the national anthem.
As the event chairman called Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to the podium to give his
official address, the flag came alive, rippling
in the breeze.
O’Neill, in his address, said PNG had a great deal to do, especially in working together to delivering expected goods and services to the people and for the nation.
“I am confident and I believe we can achieve these, if we all work together,” he said.