The territorial Veterans Day Program will be held Monday at the Veterans Memorial Park in Tafuna.
The ceremony begins at 9am with the presentation of colors and Rev. Mareko Posi Leota of the Laulii Methodist Church will offer the invocation.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga will deliver the Veterans Day Address.
During the ceremony, care packages will be distributed to local veterans courtesy of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa.
The bank has funded the care packages through a nonprofit organization, Operation Gratitude.
TBAS CEO and President Perry Owen said their donation of $25,000 is the biggest one made by the bank for a community cause.
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Also on Monday, awards for the Toa Games which have been held through-out this week, will be presented.
In a memo declaring Monday as a public holiday for Veterans Day Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, a veteran himself, said, “Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves in service of our great nation. I encourage all to take time to reflect on the many freedoms and liberties we share, but also the price of those freedoms.”
The Governor issued the following message for Veterans Day:
“On this Veterans Day, we stand united in gratitude to honor the courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. To each of our veterans, your bravery, dedication, and resilience embody the spirit of American Samoa. Your commitment to freedom and peace has strengthened not only our territory, but our nation as a whole.
“As we reflect on your sacrifices, we are reminded of the many challenges you have faced, both abroad and at home. Whether in times of war or peace, you have answered the call with steadfast strength and honor. You have shown us what it means to serve with selflessness and courage, and for that, we are forever grateful.
“Today, we pause to pay tribute to you-the heroes who have protected our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice for the future of generations to come. We stand with you, remembering your stories and honoring your legacy.
“On behalf of Lieutenant Governor La’apui, our families, and our entire community, we honor and commemorate the sacrifices and selfless dedication of all Veterans – both past and present. May your service continue to inspire us all, and may we never forget the price of our freedom. Fa’afetai tele lava for your commitment to the well-being and security of our nation, and may God bless you all.
“Thank you, VETERANS, for your dedicated service.
“Happy Veterans Day, and may the Lord continue to bless America and our beloved Territory!”
