US & Samoa Celebrates 240th Anniversary of US Independence

us-samoa-celebration

Samoa and the United States came together Tuesday night to celebrate American’s 240th Independence Day.

US Ambassador to Samoa, Mark Gilbert told guests “We are celebrating an idea so beautifully expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776.

“We hold these truths to be self –evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and amongst these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuant of Happiness.”

The US Independence Day celebration was held at the US residence in Vailima.

Speaking on behalf of the Samoa Government, Acting Prime Minister, Salā Lisati Pinati said, “The honoring of this day by all Americans, is a reminder to us all of the commitment to the founding principles for freedom, individuality, and self- government, which form the network and pillars of the American dream.”

Sala said Samoa and America share the same values.

“Before diplomatic relations between Samoa and the US was established in 1971, American presence was already felt in the Pacific including Samoa in the 1850’s, when American soldiers were stationed here during the First World War.

“We have been working together with the US to protect the environment and fisheries, to promote sustainable development in the Pacific region, and strengthen the status of democracy and human rights,” said Sala.

Also celebrated last night was the 100 anniversary of the National Parks.

 

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