The commemorations began Tuesday night with a national flag-raising ceremony marking July 1, the day Somalia’s southern regions gained independence from Italy in 1960 and united with the northern regions, which had gained independence from Britain days earlier, to form the Somali Republic.

At midnight, units of the Somali National Army raised the national flag in Mogadishu, marking the same hour the Somali flag was raised in the capital 66 years ago.

The president said the day should remind Somalis of the importance of protecting national unity, solidarity and state-building. He said today’s generation has a responsibility to continue the vision of those who founded the Somali nation.

After the official ceremony, Hassan Sheikh unexpectedly joined residents celebrating in the streets of Mogadishu.

Thousands of Somalis gathered in the capital, waving flags and taking part in public celebrations filled with patriotism and national pride.

July 1 commemorates the independence of the former Italian Somaliland and its immediate union with the former British Somaliland to establish the independent Somali Republic in 1960.

On Wednesday morning, President Hassan Sheikh laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Somali heroes who sacrificed their lives for independence and national unity.

The ceremony included units of the Somali Armed Forces, who displayed armored vehicles, modern military equipment and fighter jets.

Officials said the display reflected progress made by the federal government in rebuilding and equipping Somalia’s national forces.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud again congratulated the Somali people on the national anniversary and urged them to preserve unity, defend independence and work toward a secure and developed Somalia based on self-sufficiency and full sovereignty.