Samoa's 52nd Independence anniversary celebrations have been opened this morning at the Parliament house.
Members of the Samoan Police Force preparing to raise the national flag at Independence Day celebrations in Apia. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Prominent leaders from around the Pacific including New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and his team of delegates, took part in today's ceremony.
A unique feature of this year's celebrations will include the participation of St Mary's college who will march in the national parade to celebrate their 150th anniversary.
St Mary's college was the country's first established girls' school and is the only girls' school left.
Local resident and former school president Lotesi Kells Slade says old girls have come from around the world to participate in today's parade.
"I'm very lucky to be raised here during independence time. Why this independence is very important - the St Mary's Jubilee 150 years. All the countries - the old girls are here. So the St Mary's are gonna participate in the marching."
The celebrations also saw 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, saying he is proud that Samoa has grown 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."
