120 years of American Samoa’s Union with the United States is being celebrated today amidst a deadly pandemic which has struck nearly all but a few countries of the world. American Samoa counts itself as one of the few that has not recorded a confirmed case of coronavirus.
Before the outbreak, there were plans to make this year’s celebration a big one since it would be the last for the Lolo /Lemanu administration. But today there were no Flag Day Parade, no cultural entertainment, no fautasi racing and no free McDonald’s meals.
It’s a simple and brief ceremony with just a handful of government leaders at the Fagatogo Pavilion.
According to a draft of Governor Lolo Moliga’s Flag Day address, he will make mention of the contrast of this year’s scaled down celebration to past years.
“This 120th Flag Day will be uniquely recorded in our history because those participating in the flag raising ceremony today are only the leaders of our territory. However, it will not lessen the dignity and majesty of this event with regard to the essence of its meaning and its significance to each resident of the territory of American Samoa”.
Those leaders are the Governor and First Lady, the Senate President and House Speaker, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs and the DOI Field Representative.
Notably missing is Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who is stuck in Honolulu because of the suspension of Hawaiian Air flight.
The Fagatogo Pavilion has been elaborately decorated with red, white and blue, colorful bouquets and a large banner displayed in the front, with the theme of this year’s celebration “Amerika Samoa Muamua Le Atua, American Samoa God First”.
Governor Lolo and First Lady Cynthia arrived at just after 6:30 am while the other leaders were already seated along with Reverend Elder Faaetete Saifoloi, chairman of the Congregation Christian Church of American Samoa who will give the invocations.
The governor and first lady are wearing masks and the guests were seated 6 feet apart.
A police honor guard was also in formation on the malae.
Right after the Governor and First Lady arrived, the program, which was scheduled to start at 7am, got underway with Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Malemo Tausaga, as the Master of Ceremony.
KVZK TV is broadcasting the Flag Day ceremony from the Fagatogo malae.
Photo: Leua Aiono Frost
