As a student of QVS, I felt sad as the Union Jack was lowered on the eve of Independence - Qaranivalu

65-year-old Joji Qaranivalu says he clearly remembers being one of the 120 cadets who peri-metered Albert Park on October 10th 1970.

Qaranivalu says the events of the day is still fresh in his mind as he was in Year 11 in Queen Victoria School.

The Fiji Scout Association Executive Commissioner, say as a student of Queen Victoria School, he felt sad as the Union Jack was lowered on the eve of independence in 1970.

Qaranivalu says with the sadness also came a sense of freedom because Fiji could then decide on its own destiny.

He says as we celebrate 50 years of independence this Saturday, we should remember that the spirit of believing that we can stand on our on two feet has brought us this far.