OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – April 23, 2007)
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Governor Togiola to miss Pacific leaders meeting
to attend funeral services of Sgt. Raymond Seva’aetasi

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono announced today that Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia will take his place at the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders in Washington D.C. next month.

Governor Togiola said the U.S. Army has advised that the remains of Sergeant Raymond Seva’aetasi, who died in Iraq on April 11th, will be transported to the Territory on Sunday, May 6th.

The 8th Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders begins on Monday, May 7th to Wednesday, May 9th.

Governor Togiola said as important as the meeting of Pacific leaders is in the nation’s capital, it is even more important that American Samoa does not forget its soldier’s who fought for freedom. He said attending funeral services on island for the Territory’s soldiers is about honoring fallen heroes.

“We continue to honor our soldiers, our loved ones, as a way to express gratitude for their sacrifice, but it is never, and will never, be enough thanks for their dedication and commitment to protect our freedom. It is an enormous loss for their families, friends, and for American Samoa,” said Governor Togiola.