Public know little of Fiji flag history
Monday, October 10, 2011
However big or small it may be - the flag is a symbol of independence and pride and represents Fiji's history.
However - there is little knowledge amongst the public about the history of the national flag.
FBC News caught up with a few people and asked what they understand about the flag and its history and while some were happy to divulge whatever little they know - some did not wish to go on record.
Here are the views of some:
“It’s part of our country - represents Fiji."
"I know that the Union jack we got from the English. On the shield - I know the banana is one of our main exports - so is the coconut. The dove is for peace and I don’t know the rest."
"The flag identifies Fiji."
"To my understanding - the Fiji flag is the national identity. All countries have their own flags. It's a symbol for Fiji - which we are proud to have."
"The flag represents our history."
"It's our national identity."
For flag co-designer Murray MacKenzie - the features consist of a combination of the things from the past that has made Fiji what it is today.
The shield - she says - was designed around 1906 - has coconuts - which drove the economy for a long time - bananas which used to be a great economic crop and sugar cane an all time important crop.
The dove represents peace, which was on Ratu Cakobau's flag before cession.
The Union Jack is from the United Kingdom - while the pale blue background of the flag represents the sea around Fiji.
Paying tribute to flag co-designer Robi Wilcock - Mackenzie says she remembers the moment the flag flew for the first time on October 10, 1970 - adding Fiji has come a long way.
"I was very glad when Fiji got independence and I think that we started off very well through the first years after we achieved independence. Of course things went a bit wrong in 1987 - but I think in Fiji we are pretty good at picking ourselves up and starting again and let’s home that we can keep on doing that."
41 years on - Fiji today celebrates the day it stood on its own - with a national holiday. FBC News visited families and this is what Fiji Day means to them.
"It means looking back 41 years and seeing how Fiji has progressed in terms of what government has done for Fiji and the people."
"It’s a time to be with the family and eat and have fun."
"Happy Fiji Day!"
"It’s a time for the family to get together and spend the day together and enjoy the holiday."
"I love Fiji."
"Its a time to spend with my family especially my grand children and just relax."
"Happy Fiji Day."
So – let’s take time today to reflect on the past years and how far we have come and make sure to fly the Fiji Flag.
The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will deliver his Fiji Day address from Government House at 7 this evening.
Report by : Elenoa Osborne
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