|
|
|
|
|
AMERICAN
SAMOA CELEBRATES 105 YEARS - FLAG DAY |
|
By Toria Peters |
|
| |
Tens of hundreds of
American Samoans turned out at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in
Tafuna to witness the celebration activities of this year’s Flag
Day.
“Flag Day is the time of the year we memorialize the wisdom of our
forefathers in establishing the government that we enjoy today,”
addressed Togiola. “It is also time we consider our governance,
renew our pledges and reaffirm our dedication to the principles for
which it stands.”
During the celebrations, American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono
has called for the Constitution to be reviewed in the next special
sesion of the Fono. The need for such review includes striving at
improving health care, upgrading its education system and exercising
democracy to the full.
Togiola also answered to critics towards the celebration. “I am
aware that some criticize this event because of the costs involved,”
he said. “However, it is fitting that we do so with style and
stamina for there is so much to celebrate.
Togiola paid respect to special guests; among those attended were
Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita
representing His Majesty the King of Tonga, the Honorable Faipule
Pio Tuia of the Government of Tokelau and His Highness Malietoa
Tanumafili II, Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa.
The
opening service was conducted by Reverend Filifiliauro Savini of the
Congregational Christian Church, Aunu’u.
In his address during the celebration of American Samoa’s 105 years
since the United States Flag was raised in the territory, Togiola
has redirected special attention asking for support and the need to
practice democracy in Samoa, with a show of grace and courtesy
towards culture.
“Traditionally, you wish to hear what your governor has to say about
our government,” he said. “There is no perfect world, so there will
always be some government actions to which some citizens object.”
He has also ordered a redirection of his government scholarship
programme to be in line with the needs of the government.
“We are beginning a truly serious effort to elevate training and
professionalism of our |
|
 |
|
|
American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono performs a ‘siva’
Samoa celebrating 105 years since the United States Flag was
raised in the territory. |
 |
|
Fitafita Samoa presentation of war flags and portraits of fallen
heroes of the Iraq war; a statue to be unveiled in memory of the
Fitafita Guards by Flag Day 2006. |
 |
|
Long boats Filituna from Samoa and Paepaeulupo’o from American
Samoa, part of the annual Flag Day ‘fautasi’ main event. |
| |
school teachers. We expect
also most of our school rooms staffed by teachers with stateside
certifications in the near future.”
The government has conducted a study for health insurance under the
direction of Mr. Lafaele Lafaele.
A budget of USD$2million (federal assistance) has been earmarked for
the purchase of medicines, drugs, laboratory supplies assuring
sufficient medicines for patients and supplies. “This will indeed
help minimize interruption for lack of supplies,” added Togiola.
The whole country welcomed home their sons and daughters who fought
the war in Iraq. “We honor and recognize those of them who are
present here today,” Togiola said. “Unfortunately we have also
witnessed the return of a fallen warrior, who gave his life in the
cause of freedom and to protect us from the evil of terrorism.”
Part of the celebration activities was the presentation of war flags
and portraits of those fallen heroes in the battle in Iraq. The
parents of Sgt. Tava’e Ioasa, Too and Filogia were presented with
the awards from the Iraq group.
Togiola’s government hopes that by Flag Day 2006 they will unveil a
statue in memory of the Fitafita Guards.
“Because it is right to remember and teach our youth about the great
events and moments in history,” he said. “It gave us memories worth
preserving.”
The Honorable Senator Liufau Sonoma will head a committee to develop
a list of sons and daughters of Fitafita to consider a fitting
memorial.
Four choir groups from Samoa were invited to entertain in the
celebration of Flag Day 2005. They were Leulumoega, Faleapuna,
Pata-Falelatai and Gaga’emalae, Savaii.
They were also joined by a group of students from the National
University of Samoa who took part in the Flag Day service on Sunday
evening, held at the Malaeoletalu, Fagatogo.
|
|
| |
Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
