Several thousand people in Apia have attended Samoa's official celebration of 52 years of independence.
Prominent leaders from around the Pacific including the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, and his team of delegates, took part in today's ceremony.
The celebrations had begun earlier, with a service at the newly-built Catholic cathedral at Mulivai, where the Ola Toe Fuata'ina choir from Tafaigata prison sang.
The Vice Chancellor and President of Samoa's National University, Asofou So'o, marched in this morning's parade alongside many others.
He says he is proud that Samoa has grown in leaps and bounds.
"It's a celebration of the endeavours of our fore bearers. Everyone is proud, everyone is happy to join every year to celebrate. In the last fifty years we've achieved so much. Education, our health system...look around, we are able to come this far."
Asofou So'o, the Vice Chancellor and President of Samoa's National University.
