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This year's celebration, mark the 40th anniversary of Samoa's independence from foreign administration. It's the same number of years under the leadership of his Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.
Each independence celebration reminds us of past leaders struggle for self governance - Samoa mo Samoa. This year was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke, later delivering a formal apology from the New Zealand government for the injustices committed during the years of colonial administration.
The apology by the New Zealand government a laying of a wreath at the Tupua Tamasese Lealofi grave. Tupua along with eight members of the Mau died from gun shots during a peaceful march down Apia waterfront.
Samoa eventually became independent from the New Zealand administration in 1962. Earlier colonial administrations include Germany, and America governing the eastern islands of Tutuila and Manua.
Independence
was different this year; the first time it has run for five days. Starting
off will a combined church service on Sunday. Then there was the spectacular
flag raising ceremony and march pass at Mulinuu on Monday.
The
rest of the week involved a full program of entertainment. The beating
of drums and a multitude of colours on the field; church congregations,
village communities, schools and government leaders, with ages ranging
from children to adults, came together in the first week of June to celebrate
and commemorate the forty years of independence.
The winner of the youth week cultural
dance was on the field again, the E.F.K.S.
youth from Saleimoa, kicking-off the ceremony with cultural dance and
the fast actions of the slap dance, which topped-off the day. Amongst
the line-up was the E.F.K.S. youth from Sogi; and representing the schools
was Chanel College.
There were brass bands playing and local comedians put a smile on everyone's face with their rare actions and styles.
Always the big event during the celebration were the fautasi race that was won by Manulele Tautala from Apolima.
Apia Park played hos to the Manu Samoa
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