There was an air of patriotism all around at Papaloa, Salelologa early Thursday morning as residents of Foua, Saletagaloa and Papaloa gathered to mark Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary. 

The celebration at Papaloa kicked off with a church service at the Salelologa Catholic Church followed by the hoisting of the Samoa national flag. The residents then gathered at the malae (open field) for traditional entertainment and breakfast to start the celebration.

The celebration according to a senior matai of the village, Papali'itele Siaosi Hansell, is in line with the Government's initiative promote celebrations throughout the year to mark the country's 60th Independence anniversary celebrations until 31 May 2023. 

"This is our part in celebrating such a big milestone for our country," Papali'itele told the Samoa Observer. 

"We support the initiative by the Government and as you can see we have decorated our village with Teuila and also with Samoan national flags to showcase our support for this great initiative."

Papali'itele added that this year's celebration is historical so they could not resist hosting a program that their children will remember. 

"I know the majority of the festivities will be held in Upolu and the Government has already encouraged the villages across the country to have their own celebrations to mark this year's event. 

"So this is our own part and we are so happy to see that everyone came out today, participating in this event."

Members of the public living within the Faletolu at Salelologa attended the program with some of the elders becoming emotional during the course of the celebration. 

Among them was Ti'otala Setu, a 89-year-old chief of Papaloa in Salelologa, who fought back tears as he recalled the journey that the country took since independence. 

He remembered that he was in his late 20s when Samoa became the first Pacific Island nation to gain independence from its colonial power. 

Ti'otala said he was happy to be alive to witness the country celebrate its 60 years of independence. 

"To be able to be here today for this activity to commemorate 60 years of independence is a blessing," Ti'otala said.

"What a journey it has been for our country and I am so blessed to still be around for this year's celebration. I never thought I'd still be here as a lot of people my age have already passed on but I am grateful to God for the gift of life."

Now aged 89 years, Ti'otala can still walk on his own and has a sharp memory, adding that he cannot believe he will turn 90-years-old next year. 

"When they told me that we would be having our own independence activity here in our malae, I knew I had to make the effort to come here and join the rest of the village," he said. 

"This is also an opportunity to think about the challenges our forefathers had to overcome and the path to independence. We must remember it so it can encourage us to do better for the future of our nation. 

"They thought and fought hard for what we have now; the freedom to live and enjoy life in our beautiful yet unique country. 

"And I believe that that's something our leaders should do. They should think about our children and the future of our children. Whatever they do now is going to have an impact on the future of our nation. 

"That is why it's vital to know and understand the history of our country, because it connects the past to the present and points to the future, like a bridge."

The main festivities for this year's celebration will start with gospel singing on Sunday evening.