The Fijian government has set aside 100,000 Fiji dollars ($57,000) to host a grand Fiji Day celebration on Wednesday next week, marking 42 years since independence in a move to unite the nation.

Sharon Smith-Johns, permanent secretary for information revealed the news while launching a joint build-up campaign with the Ministry of Defense, local media reported here Tuesday.

Smith-Johns said the whole country should be part of the Fiji Day under the theme of "Celebrate United Fiji."

"Over the past few years, there has been a lack of support for Fiji Day. This year is like a reset. We want to start looking again at our nation's pride."

According to the official, posters for the campaign labeled " Put up a Flag, Put down a lovo (earth-pit)" hit the streets and media outlets in the island nation.

"Fiji Day should be fun. It is something we should celebrate like the rest of the world who celebrate their national holidays," said Smith-Johns, adding celebrations had been planned for all the main centers including Suva, Lautoka, Labasa and the old capital Levuka.

"Government has put on different events. I urge all businesses to support Fiji Day. From government's perspective, we love to see Fiji flags everywhere. We love to see blue and white and I urge businessmen to help us promote and push Fiji Day this year," she said.

The Suva celebrations will start with a march through the streets to Albert Park, while President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will officiate in this planned colorful event.

"We have a lot to be proud of. We need to put our differences behind us and Fiji Day is the ideal opportunity to forget everything that happened in the past. We are moving ahead, Government is moving ahead and we should join hands and embrace Fiji Day and stop looking to the past. We will never find our future in the past," Smith-Johns said.

The Fiji Day celebrations will be on Oct. 10 when Fiji also sets aside the day for a public holiday.