|
|
|
|
|
AMERICAN
SAMOA CLOSE-UP GROUP IN WASHINGTON DC |
|
Edited Release – Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunken |
|
| |
Congressman Faleomavaega
spent Palm Sunday with the students and teachers from American Samoa
who were in Washington, DC to participate in the annual Close Up
program.
Founded in 1970, the Close Up Foundation provides students from all
over the country with the opportunity to learn how the federal
government operates and encourages their involvement in the
political process. By participating, they become more aware of the
current issues that affect them.
“I was very pleased the Close Up Foundation accepted my request and
provided for the students and teachers so they could worship with us
at our Samoan community church in Ft. Myer,” Faleomavaega said.
During the service, the Close Up group sang two of our traditional
hymns, Lo ta Nu’u and Ua So’ona Olioli Nei.”
The Samoan Congregation hosted a reception following the service
where the group was able to meet and mingle with church members.
“I am grateful to Pastor Sui Meki To’alepai and members of our
Samoan Congregation at Fort Myer-Washington, DC for their kind
hospitality during Sunday’s service and luncheon. It is always a
special treat to our people when they come to our nation’s capital
and learn that there is a Samoan church in the area where they can
worship in our native tongue on a Sunday. And, our Samoan
Congregation at Fort Myer has always been there to provide that
special place, like a home away from home, for our Samoan people.”
Following the reception, the group proceeded to Capitol Hill where
they rejoined the Congressman for a discussion session in the
hearing room of the House Committee on Natural Resources, a visit in
the Congressman’s office, and finally a guided tour of the Capitol
building given by the Congressman that included the House of
Representatives’ chamber, the National Statuary Hall, and the
Capitol rotunda.
“Each year, I take our Close Up students and teachers to the Natural
Resources Committee, in which I am a member. This Committee has
jurisdiction over all issues pertaining to the insular areas
including American Samoa and the other U.S. territories.” |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
“I also take them to the
House of Representatives chamber where they can see first hand where
legislative matters are debated and voted. While sitting in the same
seats that Members of Congress sit, we discuss a number of major
issues concerning our government and people in American Samoa. We
harmonized Lota Nu’u in the House chamber before continuing our tour
of the Capitol where we visited the rotunda and the National
Statuary hall.”
“I am pleased to have been joined by Miss Dora Sue and Mr. Malu
Sagiao who was visiting from Hawai’i. Dora who is a former teacher
at Samoana High School was part of the Close-Up group of 2006. She
is currently interning at the Office of Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
Malu is a Special Agent of the United States Air Force who works in
the Office of Special Investigations at Hickam Air Force Base.”
“I always make a special effort each year to be available in
Washington, DC to greet and spend time with our Close Up students
and teachers. I am hopeful that the students now have a broader
understanding of how Congress and the rest of the federal government
operate,” Faleomavaega concluded.
|
|
| |
Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd. 2005
|
|
|
|
|
