The practice of saluting the national flag a patriotic duty as a sign of pride, unity and love of the Solomon Islands
I was pleased to read a report, today, that the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, together with the staff of his office, saluted the raising of the national flag one morning last week and has called on every ministry, school and provincial governments to follow suit, as was the practice in the past.
Indeed many years ago, I attended a flag raising ceremony at St John’s school in Honiara and felt honoured to have been present.
Only last week I wrote:
“Let, therefore, the spirit of the Pacific Games, the team-ship, comradeship and prowess on the field transcend into growing national pride and identity at home.”
The national flag of the Solomon Islands symbolises the spirit of patriotism and pride, unity and love for the nation.
It was under that flag the nation attained independence and starting building its future.
Under the flag lies the symbol of unity for all communities while striving towards building a united Solomon Islands nation in which the future lies.
The daily saluting and honouring the flag is therefore important and a simple pledge that might be recited at such a ceremony could be:
We, the citizens of the Solomon Islands, pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of our various cultures, languages or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity
and progress for our nation.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
