Samoa celebrated 58 years of independence virtually thanks to COVID-19, but with lightning, thunder and heavy rain yesterday many who would have been in the parade and flag raising were thankful for the online celebration.
All official services were pre recorded and broadcast on all television stations and streamed on the internet at 7am.
These included the reading of the official declaration and a short prayer service before the raising of the flag, followed by a speech by the Head of State.
“We are at abnormal times as we continue to fortify our collective efforts to keep the COVID 19 at bay. As such, this is the first time since the genesis of our independence celebrations that the official program for this year’s 58th independence celebration is being communicated through television and radios stations, and the Internet,” said Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II in his national address.
He acknowledged the contributions of the country’s forefathers who led Samoa to independence.
“Today marks another milestone of our independence and we remember and acknowledge with pride and heartfelt thanks the toil and contributions of our forefathers and leaders who championed our Independence and have led our Government and people from the beginning up to this day,” he said.
Samoa’s first Independence Day was on January 1st, 1962 but because it is cyclone season the celebrations were shifted to June 1st from 1963 to present day.
