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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Thursday, April 17, 2008)
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Office: (684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 733-4680
Gov. Togiola pays tribute to military family and retired veterans at
Flag Day 2008
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today joined dignitaries from seven nations, military personnel, retired veterans and thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate Flag Day 2008 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna.
In his Flag Day address to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the signing of the Deed of Cession, and the first U. S. flag raising on the island of Tutuila, Gov. Togiola paid tribute to local warriors – Toa o Samoa, “who rose to answer the call of our nation, directly from American Samoa.”
“As I prepare for this annual great day, I am drawn once again to a mental picture of our sons and daughters serving in all military forces - in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and in other troubled areas of the world. And to many more who serve in military duties around our country. I say to you all, and to your dear ones here at home, that we remember you today with pride, admiration and fa’amalo,” said Governor Togiola. “Our prayers are always with you wherever you are. We wish you good health and safety in your stations of duty. I hope Flag Day 2008 will be a good day for you all and your loved ones.” (See below, the full text of Governor Togiola’s Flag Day Address)
Off island dignitaries who attended Flag Day 2008 included, the Honorable Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II - Member of the Council of Deputies of Samoa and Mrs. Fa'amausili Leinafo Tuimaleali'ifano, the Honorable Sir Reverend Filoimea Telito - Governor General of Tuvalu and Mrs. Pepapeti Telito, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita of the Kingdom of Tonga, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia – the Honorable Alik L. Alik and Mrs. Shra Alik, the Honorable Ulu o Tokelau Pio Tuia – Titular Head of the Tokelau Islands, the Honorable Caroline Bilkey – High Commissioner of New Zealand in Samoa, the Honorable David Webster – Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Samoa and Mrs. Johanna Webster, U.S. Air Force Colonel William O. Welch and U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Cosmas Spoffort
The U.S. flag was raised by Retired U.S. Marine Corps - Master Gunnery Sergeant Navy Suiaunoa, and Retired U.S. Air Force - Master Sergeant Tuialu’ulu’u Vaimili with “The Star Spangled Banner” anthem performed by the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Band, while the American Samoa was raised by Retired U.S. Army - Sergeant First Class Iuni “June” Maeva and Retired U.S. Navy – Chief Boatswain's Mate Ponausuia L. Fale, with “Amerika Samoa” anthem performed by Petesa Uta Youth Band.
The opening ceremony included the Oath of Enlistment for 65 new recruits who have pledged their lives in taking the oath to join the defense forces of the United States of America.
“From such a small part of our big country, this is a sizable contribution to our national defense in these challenging times. I am sure these young men and women are fully cognizant of the world situation. They watch daily news on television and read newspapers. They know what awaits them when they join their selected branch of service. Yet, they are still determined to make the commitment. This is an act of profound patriotism and extreme courage,” said Governor Togiola. “Let me say to you, the 65 new Toa o Samoa, we are extremely proud of you.”
Governor Togiola also expressed his sincere gratitude to all the parents and families of soldiers, those who prepare our loved ones to enter the military, the U.S. Army Reserve, all the Samoan veterans who have returned home to lend a hand to the general development of the American Samoa, the Carmelite Nuns and the Marist Saint Joseph Old Pupils’ Association for all being part of the Territory’s support group and “we must never weaken in our devotion for the sake of those we love.”
In preparation to host the the10th Festival of Pacific Arts, Governor Togiola said “it is a blessing to be able to see this great wonder, right here in our island home” and reminded American Samoa that playing host is a Samoan tradition.
“Let us prove to the Pacific that hospitality and generosity were invented right here, in the Cradle of Polynesian civilization. That is why we have guest houses in the middle of our villages. I urge you to show our visitors that hospitality is alive and well in American Samoa,” said Governor Togiola.
The opening prayer service was offered by Reverend Viliamu Leilua of his CCCAS Aua choir.
After the morning Flag Day Parade, which included the Samoa Police Band, ROTC and JROTC units, high school and elementary students, government agencies, community organizations, and local and visiting village performing groups, Kanana Fou High School presented a spectacular performance of “Samoa Myth of Creation” as well as a song and dance performance.
And then the heavens opened up.
Manu’a Tele, the only song and dance performance scheduled for the afternoon, was postponed until tomorrow (Friday 10am) at the Stadium. Following the Manu’a Tele performance will be the villages of Matautu – Falelatai, Upolu, Alao, Sala’ilua, Savai’i, and Leone.
FULL TEXT – FLAG DAY 2008 ADDRESS
by Governor Togiola Tulafono
April 17, 2008
Veterans Memorial Stadium
Tafuna, American Samoa
Greetings. Talofa and welcome to Flag Day 2008.
As Governor, it is my pleasure and high honor to welcome you to the 108th commemoration of the signing of our Deed of Cession, and the first U. S. flag raising on the island of Tutuila. Three months from now, in July, we will repeat these commemoration ceremonies at Faleula in Ta’u, Manu’a, to mark the 104th signing of the Manu’a Deed of Cession by King Tuimanu’a and the chiefs of Manu’a.
As is our tradition, we bow our heads in prayer before the Lord at the start of these festivities, and I thank Reverend Viliamu Leilua for leading us.
Master of Ceremony High Talking Chief Nanai K.S. Afuola has carefully and respectfully recognized the dignitaries gathered here this morning. I join in those tributes and accolades. Talofa and welcome once again.
THE MILITARY
Two years ago, we dedicated Flag Day to our local warriors of Samoa - Toa o Samoa, who rose to answer the call of our nation, directly from American Samoa. We paid tribute to some of them, who made the extreme sacrifice and their families, and to those who returned home safely, and to those who chose to join the forces in active duty to guard our freedom and protect our way of life. I spoke of their patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.
As I prepare for this annual great day, I am drawn once again to a mental picture of our sons and daughters serving in all military forces - in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and in other troubled areas of the world. And to many more who serve in military duties around our country. I say to you all and to your dear ones here at home, that we remember you today with pride, admiration and fa’amalo. Our prayers are always with you wherever you are. I have sent out a short message from Mary and me to all of you in active service, wishing you good health and safety in your stations of duty. I hope Flag Day 2008 will be a good day for you all and your loved ones.
This morning we will witness 65 of our sons and daughters pledging their lives and taking the oath to join the defense forces of our country. From such a small part of our big country, this is a sizable contribution to our national defense in these challenging times. I am sure the young men and women enlisting this morning are fully cognizant of the world situation. They watch daily news on television and read newspapers. They know what awaits them when they join their selected branch of service. Yet, they are still determined to make the commitment. This is an act of profound patriotism and extreme courage.
Let me say to you, the 65 new Toa o Samoa, we are extremely proud of you.
I would like to make some special recognitions this morning.
First, I commend and praise the courage of your parents. I know from personal experience that it is not easy to see a son or daughter go off to join the military in wartime. To you parents, I say malo lototele. Fa’afetai le fa’atoatoa!
Second, I applaud the work of those who trained and prepared you to become soldiers. I speak of and to the retired military instructors of our ROTC and JROTC programs. The selected 65, and the hundreds standing proudly in uniform on the field this morning, are testimony to your diligence and dedication. I salute you.
Third, I want to thank the local military recruiters. The high number of our young people joining the armed forces every year is testament to your hard work and vigorous pursuit of purpose. Your service to our nation and to American Samoa is commendable.
Fourth, a word of thanks also goes to the U.S. Army Reserve. Your presence here on island is a constant reminder of the essence of the military in our country, and as Americans we must stand up and be counted in the defense of the great American ideals. The truth is that you have become role models for our young people. They join because you did. I am confident that when any one of them was in doubt, take one look at you, and doubt no more.
Fifth, the Samoan Veterans, in whose memory we named this stadium. After retirement you saw fit to return to contribute your skills to the general development of our territory. That is one of the most positive factors of our military connection. You bring back with you the value and integrity of military training. Your contribution has already served American Samoa in countless ways. It has given me great pleasure to be able to appoint many of you to cabinet positions and other responsibilities, such as judges, as a result of your military experience. We thank you. Before I leave this area, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Mapu Jamias for his recent appointment as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. I am sure your tenure will help us refocus on the issues pending regarding the welfare of our soldiers and veterans.
And finally, I commend especially with thanks the Carmelite Nuns and the Marist Saint Joseph Old Pupils’ Association for the inspiration and sponsorship of the monthly prayer services for Toa o Samoa. Inever cease being moved and inspired by the services. I plan to be at the Petesa Uta service this Sunday afternoon because I believe we must never weaken in our devotion for the sake of those we love. To the Marist Saint Joseph Old Pupils’ Association. I say thank you.
FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS
American Samoa, this is a year for our history books. Yes, a new chapter will be written in July when over 2000 artists, culturalists, and sponsors from over 20 territories and countries of Oceania, plus the State of Hawai’i, gather on Tutuila for the10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Never before have we had such a large group of visitors at the same time.
The festival is appropriately themed Su’iga Ula a le Atuvasa (Threading the Oceania Ula) because it is an occasion to share, exchange, and showcase culture, art, beauty, and creativeness in a festive mood. For us American Samoans, it is a blessing to be able to see this great wonder, right here in our island home.
We will be hosts to thousands of our Pacific brothers and sisters. As you well know, hosting is a Samoan tradition. Let us prove to the Pacific that hospitality and generosity were invented right here, in the Cradle of Polynesian civilization. That is why we have guest houses in the middle of our villages. I urge you to show our visitors that hospitality is alive and well in American Samoa.
I want to pause briefly here to commend with thanks the example of Matu’u and Faganeanea in the great job of painting their village bus stops. Let’s join in the fun of making our villages beautiful.
Also, if you possibly can, please join the list of volunteers who have offered to contribute time, skill, and homes to make the Festival a truly great one. I am almost sure this will not come again in our lifetime.
I thank and commend the co-chairs, Fagafaga Daniel Langkilde and Le’ala Elisara, and the Festival Organizing Committee for their dedicated labors and I offer to you my big fa’amalosi. The recent pre-festival meeting of Pacific representatives went home satisfied with our preparations. I know they will be pleased with your final product.
AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT
Lastly, on this day each year, the Governor reports on the condition of our government and on upcoming projects. I will leave that discussion for our weekly radio program whose topics are also widely reported by the newspapers. Let me just say that the administration is forging ahead with the planned projects to diversify and strengthen our economy, and staying abreast of the opportunities to improve services to our people. We will not be restrained in making such changes as may be necessary to improve that service thereby upgrading our quality of life.
FA’AFETAI: Thank you for visiting American Samoa
In closing, I offer my sincere appreciation once again to our overseas guests for their attendance, especially the groups who have come over from Samoa to honor us. I hope you have a good time here and return happy, for that is the spirit of American Samoa Flag Day.
May God bless our guests.
May God bless our men and women in the armed forces and their families.
May God bless our veterans and their families.
May God bless American Samoa and our people.
May God bless the United States of America.
Soifua.
---americansamoa.gov---
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