Governor Togiola proclaims Veterans Day 2008
Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed November 11, 2008 as Veterans Day in the territory, and he is urging local residents to join all Americans in recognizing the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers.
“I call upon the territorial and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in their communities,” Togiola wrote. He also invites civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
Togiola said America was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all. “And on Veterans Day, we recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who answered the call of duty to protect and valiantly defend these values throughout our Nation’s history.”
Togiola explained that 108 years ago, the leaders of American Samoa subscribed to these principles of freedom, and on this day, “we honor our remarkable veterans for their courage, compassion, and dedication to advancing the cause of freedom worldwide.”
The Governor said that there are more than 25 million veterans across America, and their ranks include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while serving in military conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the war on terrorism.
“They have fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world,” Togiola reminded. “They have defended our founding ideals, protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed from tyranny and terror,” he continued.
According to the Governor, our veterans know that in the harshest hours of conflict, they serve just and honorable purposes.
“Today, the men and women of American Samoa continue to serve our country in these perilous times of terrorism and war,” he said. “They keep America strong and represent our dedication to achieving a lasting peace of the new challenges and threats of the 21st century.”
Togiola said that through the years, our veterans have returned home from their duties to become active and responsible citizens in their communities, further contributing to the growth and development of our Nation.
“Their commitment to service inspires all Americans,” the Governor concluded.
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