In celebration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, SD Strada Van Lith 1 organized a series of joyful and patriotic events. The celebration began with various fun competitions held on Thursday and Friday, August 15-16, 2024, which were participated in by students from different grade levels.

On Thursday, students from grades 1, 2, and 3 participated in cheerful competitions such as flag relay, filling water bottles, and eating crackers. The atmosphere was lively with cheers and laughter, adding to the excitement of the event. The following day, students from grades 4, 5, and 6 showcased their skills in more challenging competitions, such as water balloon toss with sarongs, sarong relay, and moving balls with balloon pipettes. Each activity provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate healthy competitive spirit while strengthening camaraderie.

The highlight of this series of events was a solemn flag ceremony on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The ceremony, held with the entire school complex, was led by the Principal of SD Strada Van Lith 1, Mr. Heribertus Bakti Dwi Antoro, who also acted as the Ceremony Supervisor. In his address, Mr. Heribertus invited all ceremony participants to remember the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence.

He emphasized that in the era of globalization and technology, the challenges faced by the current generation are different from those faced by the freedom fighters. These challenges include threats such as radicalism, intolerance, and moral degradation. Therefore, Mr. Heribertus encouraged all students to appreciate independence by:

1. Strengthening national unity and cohesion: The diversity of ethnicities, religions, and cultures is a national treasure that we must preserve.
2. Improving self-quality through education: Knowledge and technology are our weapons to compete on the global stage.
3. Protecting and preserving the environment: The land of Indonesia is a heritage for future generations.
4. Actively participating in development: Every positive action, no matter how small, is a tangible way to fill our independence.
5. Upholding the values of Pancasila in daily life.

He concluded his address by reminding the students that the independence we enjoy today is the result of the sacrifices of our heroes, and we must prove ourselves as a resilient, intelligent generation capable of leading Indonesia towards a better future.

This year’s Independence Day celebration at SD Strada Van Lith 1 was not only lively but also meaningful, providing valuable experiences and inspirational messages that will be remembered by all students. May the spirit of independence continue to live in the hearts of every student, driving them to keep creating and achieving for a brilliant future. Long live the Republic of Indonesia!