Bougainville commemorates Independence Patriotism Day
Bougainvilleans showed up in full color and pride today to commemorate Bougainville Independence Patriotism Day.
The day began with a dawn service at the Hutjena Oval, the same location in Buka, North Bougainville where the Bougainville flag was hoisted for the first time, on September 1, 1975.
The service, led by the Bougainville Council of Churches, paid tribute to Bougainville’s political journey and honored the legacy of key Bougainville leaders.
The day’s event was followed by a water taxi float on the Buka passage, including a vehicle float by local taxis and government vehicles in the vicinity of Buka town, culminating back at Hutjena where the main program was held.
Delivering the keynote address, ABG Minister for Community Development, Hon. Morris Opeti in delivering the keynote address at Hutjena Oval, emphasized the importance of the day and the significant meaning it holds for Bougainville.
“Today, we honour the meaning behind what happened on the 1st of September, 50 years ago. That day, the Bougainville flag was raised for the first time, even ahead of PNG's independence. It was the first Universal Declaration of Independence that Bougainville made. And even though it did not receive the recognition it required at the time, what it did was instil a spirit of resilience, unity and strength to keep fighting for our political destiny,” he said.
He urged Bougainvilleans, particularly the younger generation, to embrace the spirit of patriotism and carry forward the aspirations of past leaders.
“That is the spirit that we continue to celebrate today, and we must ensure that generations who will come after us, keep this resilience alive. Patriotism means we must continue to fight, continue to believe in our political destiny, even when the journey is hard.”
He acknowledged that while ABG continues to build itself up by enhancing its capacity and resources, growing the economy, educating the people and protecting our peace; our target remains clear – independence by 2027.
“This is not a dream – it is a planned and peaceful process and we are working every day to achieve it,” he stated.
The program also featured a special address from Mrs Marilyn Havini, the original designer of the Bougainville flag, who provided historical insights into the symbolism of the flag and her experience of when it was first raised.
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