Somali community holds independence celebration

: Mohamed Abdi of Lewiston, wearing an American flag lapel pin, places his hand over his heart during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in the opening ceremonies of the Somali Independence celebration held at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center on Saturday. The Somali community invited the public to their celebration featuring traditional African dance, food and poetry. "We want to share our values and identity with the people of Maine and overcome our isolation," said Said Mohamud, president of the African Immigrants Association.

: Amina Abdi, with her 2-month-old daughter, Hawa, of Lewiston claps to the beat of African music during the Somali Independence celebration held at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center on Saturday. The Somali community invited the public to their celebration featuring traditional African dance, food and poetry. "We want to share our values and identity with the people of Maine and overcome our isolation," said Said Mohamud, president of the African Immigrants Association.