On Sunday, October 11, 1970, a day after Fiji’s flag went up for the first time, all religions joined in an ecumenical service of praise and dedication. It was described as something that united all people of Fiji.
The weather was a bit overcast but this did not stop thousands of people from flocking to Albert Park where leaders of major religious communities in Fiji took part in celebration.
Prince Charles and Governor-General Sir Robert Foster were received with a fanfare of trumpets. The National Anthem, God Bless Fiji, was played by the Fiji Military Forces band and a choir of more than 1000 voices sang to the crowd.
Father L. Hannan, chairman of the independence service committee, opened the service with praise before there were readings from the Bible in Fijian, the Vedas in Hindi and the Koran in Arabic.
After an address by the Reverend Setareki Tuilovoni, secretary to the Pacific Conference of Churches, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh prayers were offered.
Later in the day, Prince Charles met members of the Suva City Council at the new Suva Town hall.
The prince was reported wearing fawn slacks, a pair of blue sneakers and a light blue sports shirt with sleeves rolled above his elbows.
After the ecumenical thanksgiving service, he changed at Government House in preparation for a picnic during his free afternoon.
A civic reception was to have taken place on Friday afternoon after his first official engagement in Suva but this was dropped when the Prince’s arrival was delayed.
Meanwhile, in Lautoka a congregation of more than 8000 gathered at Churchill Park during a similar thanksgiving service.
