[1] The 1918 Danish–Icelandic Act of Union declared Iceland to be a sovereign state separate from Denmark, but maintained the two countries in a personal union, with the king of Denmark also being the king of Iceland.
In the two-part referendum, voters were asked whether the union with Denmark should be abolished, and whether to adopt a new republican constitution.
As Denmark was still occupied by Nazi Germany, many Danes felt offended that the step was taken at that time.
At 13:30, Prime Minister Björn Þórðarson set the celebrations going, after which a religious ceremony was held.
The Icelandic flag was raised and the members of the parliament rose from their seats as church bells rang.