The Joy of Celebrating Independence Day **

Independence Day is a special day for all Indonesians. It's a day to celebrate our freedom and remember the sacrifices made by our heroes. This year, I had the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day at my school, and it was an unforgettable experience. The day started with a flag-raising ceremony. All the students and teachers gathered in the schoolyard, dressed in their best clothes. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and patriotism. As the flag was raised, we all sang the Indonesian national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," with pride. After the ceremony, we participated in various fun activities. There were traditional games like "bakiak" and "lompat tali," which brought back childhood memories. We also had a singing competition, where students showcased their talents and love for Indonesian songs. The highlight of the day was the "panjat pinang" competition. Teams of students tried to climb a greased pole to reach the prize at the top. It was a hilarious sight to see them struggle and slip, but their determination was inspiring. As the day came to an end, we all felt a sense of unity and pride. We had celebrated our independence with joy and enthusiasm, and it was a day that I will cherish forever. Refleksi:** Celebrating Independence Day at school was a reminder of the importance of freedom and unity. It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for our country. It also taught me the value of perseverance and teamwork, as seen in the "panjat pinang" competition. I am grateful for the opportunity to have celebrated this special day with my school community.