They can recall the day when Samoa was given its independence 63 years ago. The memories of scenes of jubilation and celebrations even in the years that followed are still clear.

Samoa was given independence on 1 January 1962 but the day has been celebrated on 1 June. Many feel that the day is not being given the importance it deserves because of the toned down celebrations.

Iutita Leatupue, 87, from Tufulele said independence celebrations nowadays are nothing compared to the past years.

Reminiscing on how she always looked forward to this special celebration in the past years, Iutita said the celebrations in the olden days were something that brought people together.

"I remembered we used to walk to Mulinuu with all the other children to watch the independence every year," she said.

"I remembered taking sugar canes as our lunch and 50 sene to buy drinks in Apia."

Iutita said the programmes were well organised and the entertainment was unique.

"Those days there were no televisions, so I had to make sure to find a way to go and watch independence celebrations, and I tell you it was fun," she said, laughing.

The same reaction was echoed by Onofiatele Agaalii, 75, saying celebrations for independence nowadays cannot be compared to the celebration of Samoa's freedom in the past years.

"It's a celebration we looked forward to every single year, it's the only time we go to Apia and witness the programmes with my parents and other members of my family," he said.

“We would walk from Falealili to Siumu and look for lifts to Apia from people who have cars."

Onofiatele said the highlight of each independence celebration was the fautasi regatta, which was his favourite event to watch.

"Nowadays it's like there's no independence because there is no more fautasi race," he said.

Luatuanuu Pili, 79, from Tufulele shared that the olden days celebration for independence was the highlight of the year.

"This was like a festival where all people gathered with government leaders to celebrate our freedom with special programmes," he said.

"From schools and organisations marches, government ministries, churches, on to entertainments with brass band competitions and also marching competitions.

"The highlight was the tuugafautasi where I always looked forward to watching all the long boats racing.”

Luatuanuu said these days were different and it was like there was no independence because a lot has changed, and the spirit of uniqueness and meaning of the celebration has faded.

He hopes that the government will at least revive fautasi regatta and a couple of other special programmes that were done in the past years, as Samoa keeps on celebrating the freedom fought for by the nation’s fathers.