Fiji is a nation where we have rich and diverse cultures and religions and people of many races and this is what we are celebrating today.
And the call for us today is to celebrate Fiji.
The President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in his Fiji Day Address to the nation calls for everyone in the country to set aside their differences and remember our entry to independence.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has called on each and every member of the country to ensure that we all celebrate our identity.
Forty years ago on the 10th of October, 1970, Prince Charles who represented Queen Elizabeth officially handed over power and control to the people of Fiji which was received by Fiji's first Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Following this, the Fiji flag was raised for the first time ever.
You can take us out of Fiji but you can never take Fiji out of us.
That is the sentiment of 11 Fijian families serving in the Middle East who celebrated Fiji's independence for the past 40 years in the true Fijian style, playing host to United Nations personnel and their families.
These 11 families reside in Tyre, in Lebanon booked a convention centre for the celebrations, where guests were entertained with Fijian songs and Mekes performed by the families, sharing of kava, followed by a banquet of roasted hot meals.
The guests were United Nations personnel with their families along with members of the local Lebanese community and were joined by other Fijian nationals serving in Sudan under the UN banner also joined the celebrations.
As today marks 40 years since Fiji gained independence from Great Britain, many families are taking time out to enjoy their families company.
Fijivillage news took to the streets of Suva and caught up with people and this is what they say:
Meanwhile, many other people join us celebrating this memorable occasion as we mark Fiji Day 40th year of independence.
Her Majesty the Queen of England has congratulated Fiji for achieving its 40th year of Independence.
In a message sent through the British High Commission in Suva, Queen Elizabeth the Second said as Fiji celebrates its independence, she has much pleasure in sending her warmest greetings to the President and the people of Fiji and wished Fiji a peaceful and prosperous future.
Meanwhile, the President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao has also congratulated Fiji as well.
In an official statement Jintao said the current China Fiji relations maintain strong momentum for further development and they are willing to make joint efforts with Fiji to promote the bi-lateral relations to a new level.
The President of the United States, Barak Obama along with the Prime Minister of Japan Na-oto Kan have extended their well wishes to Fiji.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala and Praneeta Deo
Feature
Celebrate our identity-President
