Massive turnout for 50th flag raising ceremony

Thousands of people flocked to Independence Hill as early as 4 a.m. today to take part in and witness Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including foreign prime ministers, government ministers, diplomats, school children in uniform, and security personnel.NBC News reporters on the ground observed that the main arena was already filled to capacity by 4:30 a.m.

A long-serving National Parliament staff member noted that this year’s turnout was unprecedented compared to past ceremonies.

Parking spaces quickly ran out, with vehicles stretching past the National Library and Archives, and the line of cars continuing to grow as the morning progressed.

While official guests attended in formal suits, the general public proudly donned red, black, and gold [the national colors] and waved PNG flags as they made their way up Independence Hill.

Meanwhile, a separate program featuring the PNG Choir is underway along Boulevard Road, organized by the National Capital District Commission.