Despite the government scaling down this year's Independence Day celebration, Vaimoso, where the Mau movement began leading up to Samoa's independence in 1962, did not take their celebrations lightly.

The pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of hundreds from the schools, churches, groups and clubs in Vaimoso from marching on Saturday morning.

Held at the office of Mau a Samoa on Saturday, Vaimoso stood out with their independence celebrations. Even the government was invited to participate.

It started early morning with a parade escorted by police, opening formalities and the ceremony led by Reverend Faapea Elia followed by remarks from the Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio.

"It is with pleasure that I thank you for the invitation to myself on behalf of the government to say a few words for this special commemoration of Samoa's 62nd Independence," Tuala said.

"Thus, we thank the Heavenly Father for his love and protection as we dealt with the challenges we encountered along our journey this year.

"I would also like to thank you for the initiative, that the village and the constituency of Faleata No.1 have managed to celebrate Samoa's independence."

The flag raising in honour of Samoa's journey to Independence was done in front of the old 'Office of the Mau' (Samoa mo Samoa) in Vaimoso, where the first flag raising was conducted which the Acting Prime Minister was given the honour of doing.

It was followed by entertainments by all the participating groups including schools and churches in celebration of the Independence.

Faatauave Panapa Vee, one of the leading chiefs in Vaimoso told this newspaper that the celebration this year is a recollection of Samoa's journey to Independence and taking it back to where it all started in Vaimoso.

"The plan by the government for this year's independence was to open the floor to the districts to conduct their own celebrations of the independence and Vaimoso opted to celebrate it as it is where the journey to independence started hence why we did this commemoration," he said.

He also added that it wouldn't have been possible without the strong support of all their sponsors who managed to donate to Vaimoso as they did not have enough funds to host such an occasion.

Another leading chief, Manuleleua Asiata shared similar sentiments, about the significance of this celebration for Vaimoso as well as Samoa as a whole.

Meanwhile, the groups that were involved in the parade include: Vaimoso Boys' Brigade, Pesega College, Alii ma Faipule a Vaimoso, Latter Day Saints Ward in Pesega, Tama ma Teine o e Mau, Methodist Church, St Mary's College, St Joseph's College, Matagaluega Sagata Telesia Vaimoso, Ekalesia Samalaga, Komiti Samalaga, Assembly of God Vaimoso, Christian Community Church, Throne of Grace Church, EFKS Vaimoso, Vaimoso Rugby Club, Vaimoso PRimary School, Komiti Matua (Vaimoso PTA), and Vaimoso Community group.