There was a light drizzle as groups started arriving at the Veterans Memorial Stadium before 5 this morning.
School buses were on the road before 4am to transport JROTC units, school bands, and students marching in the parade.
The Flag Day Committee has planned an early start for today’s festivities, and all groups participating in the parade had been asked to assemble and take their place on the field by 6am. 
Guests started arriving at the stadium around that time.
Governor Lemanu arrived at the Stadium before 6:45 and inspected the honor guards. The official ceremony for Flag Day began just before 7am with the Deputy Director of the Office of Samoan Affairs Tootoo Tauese Sunia delivering the welcoming.
Reverend Elder Faamao Asalele of the Congregational Church of Jesus in Fagatogo offered the opening prayer.
Officers from the Department of Public Safety did the honor of hoisting the US and American Samoa flags. The Marine Band from Kaneohe played the US anthem and the Royal Samoa Police played the American Samoa anthem then a 21-gun salute was fired.
In his Flag Day Address, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga paid tribute to ancestors who paved the way for American Samoa to enjoy the benefits and blessings it enjoys today.
He said the path to becoming a part of the United States was wrought with difficult challenges, but it was through the sacrifice and unselfish efforts of our ancestors that the territory has reaped abundant blessings.
The Governor said their sacrifice should not be taken for granted. He also spoke about the theme of the 2024 flag day celebration Ia Mamalu ma Aloa, Maintain respect and dignity.
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Though it was pouring heavily during the Governor’s speech, groups waiting for the Pass in Review stood patiently on the field.
The parade was one of the biggest in recent years. There were schools, departments, companies, fautasi crews, cricket teams, and many organizations, some marching for the first time.
The last group to pass in review was StarKist Samoa which had over 2000 employees, including management and marching.
Local and off island guests who witnessed the 
ceremony include Samoa’s Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa II and Masiofo Faamausili, Ulu o Tokelau Petelo Alapati Tevite & Mrs. Tevite, Assistant Secretary of Interior Carmen Cantor, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, Chief Justice Lealaialoa Michael Kruse and Mrs. Kruse, Senate President Tuaolo and Mrs. Fruean, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and Mrs. Ale, as well as Lt. Governor Laapui Talaeuga Ale & Mrs. Ale.
Photos: KHJ News & Governor’s Office
