Lebanese fly flag

The Lebanese flag (left) was hoisted next to the New Zealand flag on the Harbour Bridge this morning.

The Lebanese flag will fly from the Auckland Harbour Bridge today to celebrate Lebanon's 62nd Independence Day.

The Lebanese Society of Auckland said this year's celebrations were particularly poignant as it was the first time in 30 years that Lebanon was free of foreign troops, following the withdrawal of the Syrian Army in April.

Secretary Gabriel Ataya said the celebrations included a dinner on Saturday attended by Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter.

In World War I, New Zealand troops helped to drive out the Ottoman Turks who had controlled Lebanon since 1516. The country was then placed under French control until 1943, when it gained independence. Civil war broke out in 1975 and raged for 15 years. New Zealand sent peacekeepers to help restore peace.