The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration welcomed the month of July with a corporate flag- hoisting ceremony last Thursday...
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare led the brief monthly ceremony, a statement from his office said.
The ceremony involved singing of the National Anthem and hoisting of the national flag at the OPMC compound.
In his Independence Day Message soon after his election as Prime Minister in 2019, PM Sogavare emphasised on ‘National Unity’.
He underpinned that the National Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem are embodiment of our national unity.
“From this moment forward, my office will commence the practice to raise our National Flag and sing our National Anthem on the first working day of every month.
“I hope every ministry, schools and provincial government follow suit.”
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare has been observing the monthly flag-hoisting ceremony since mid-2019.
Quoting the Island Sun newspaper.
Comment.
On a previous occasion I wrote saying how I appreciated the flag raising ceremony and am pleased the tradition is continuing.
Some may wonder why I support the tradition when I live outside the country. I do so because of my lasting respect for the country and its people and my belief in what the flag represents.
I would like to add something else which may add clarity to my views on the flag and the theme of national unity which the flag embodies.
Respect for the Solomon Islands flag is an indication of patriotism, the qualities for which the country and people stand and the sacrifices made by the people in the nation’s historic foundation..
In brief let me say 4 things.
1. The national flag is very important since it portrays the country to the rest of the world
2. The national flag is a symbol of pride, patriotism and self-reliance.
3. The national flag depicts the country’s political and social culture.
4. It reminds us of the sacrifices and struggle of our inspirational people who helped to weld and build the nation, and I especially have in mind the heroes who worked as scouts during the Second World War, including Sir Jacob Vousa, KBE, GM, MBE, CPM.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
