The spirit of the American Samoa Flag Day celebration was alive on Capitol Hill Friday when turned the House Cannon Caucus Room into one of the islands for a few hours to commemorate the first raising of the US flag on local soil.
A statement from the Congresswoman’s Office says the Flag Day celebration was scheduled a few months after the April Flag Day to accommodate for weather and the schedule of the House of Representatives.
It also coincided with the Samoan community in the Washington area, celebration of Flag Day the following evening just across the Potomac River on Ft. Myers.
Amata said she was thrilled to host the event and “she hopes the celebration will introduce some of her colleagues in Congress to “our beautiful home, our traditions and food.”
The celebration from noon to 2pm took place in the Cannon House Office Building Caucus Room.
Reverend Meki To’alepai gave the prayer and the United States & American Samoa anthems were sung by Vaiki Pa’au, Neta Vaovasa and Misiogale Pa’au, .
In her remarks Congresswoman Amata spoke about the special relationship between the United States and American Samoa.
She thanked everyone who was there to help celebrate the unique and treasured union between the United States and “my beautiful home islands of American Samoa.”
There was a short video presentation on the history of that union, followed by dancing and a feast laden with roast pig, sapasui, palusami, and several other traditional Samoan dishes.
The dance troupes which entertained included, Teine Suau’u Dance Group; Toa Samoa, and the Samoan Language Class.
The next evening, across the Potomac River on Ft. Myers, the local Samoan community from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region hosted their own event and invited the Congresswoman to participate.
The evening began with the presentation of the United States, Independent Samoa, and American Samoan Colors by the Toa O Samoa Color Guard, an opening prayer, and the singing of the United States, American Samoa, and Independent Samoa anthems.
Following the opening ceremonies, those in attendance were treated to traditional Samoan dances and guests dined on traditional Samoan cuisine.
A wonderful time was had by all.
