Solemn, Festive,and Fun Celebration of Independence Day .

Indonesia had a long history in reaching its independence. This country had finally become an independent country on August 17, 1945 after being occupied by the Nederland and Japan for more than 350 years. Indonesian people fought for their independence through a long struggle with heroic wars in all areas of the country which took thousands of lives. Thanks to our heroes and founding fathers Mr. Soekarno and Mr. Hatta who led the struggle so that this nation had gained a position of the same level of other free countries in the world. To express our grateful to God who had let us gain our freedom and gratitude to heroes who had sacrified their lives for our independence, people of The Republic of Indonesia hold ceremony and celebration for commemorating the declaration of indepedence day on August 17 every year.

There are some regular activities that people hold in accordance with commemoration of Indonesian Independence day. Those activities involve people from all strata of life: children, teenagers, and parents setting aside all differences and gaps, so that they create atmospheres of solemnity, unity, fun not to mention festivity.

The first and main activity of the events was Ceremony of the Independence Day which was  held throughout Indonesia. This is an obligatory ceremony for all government offices including their employees inside and outside the country, school, teachers, and their students. Series of processions which are nationally standard in Ceremony of the Independence Day was preceded with Flag Hoist ceremony, in this step Red and White national flag was raised by a troop consisting outstanding students who  got the best achievement at schools selected from all provinces in Indonesia. The flag hoisting went on with the song of national anthem Indonesia Raya filled the air and finished exactly at same  time as flag raising .

Next, audience of ceremony pray in minutes of contemplation accompanied with thundering salvo fired 17 times by Indonesian Armed Forces. In this moment all Indonesian solemnly contemplated praying for the late of heroes who had been killed in the independence war, then followed with prayers chanted by Minister of Religion.

After all those solemn processions had finished, then the most waited events were begun. Games, races, contests, and food which had been prepared by every smallest unit in the neighborhood community were launched. Children and teenagers are dominating participants of all games, although adults also took parts in games specially prepared for them. Housewives played very important roles too, they had prepared presents and snacks for winners, cooking food and cakes for ending party. All people in every corner of the country enjoyed the party.

Happy 64th Indonesian Independence Day Anniversary !

What about in your country, how do you celebrate Independence Day in your country ?

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