By 2:15 yesterday afternoon the flags were lowered and Flag Day 2018 wrapped up, one of the earliest closings of the annual celebration in a long time.
The only monetary prizes which were announced by Emcee Malemo Tausaga, Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs at the closing were $15,000 for each of the local school groups that entertained: Faasao Marist High School, Fagaitua High School and the American Samoa Community College and $20,000 for Saleimoa village from Samoa.
The cash awards for the Fautasi Race were not announced or awarded at the closing.
Captains were told checks would be presented at the Office of Samoan Affairs later.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale gave the final remarks thanking the VIP guests for attending, all the groups who participated, the youth who entertained, and all those who were involved in some way with Flag Day.
He gave special mention of the “usoga” from Samoa, represented by his Highness the Head of State of Samoa Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo, Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Minister of Education Loau Keneti Sio and the village of Saleimoa.
The Speaker broke from his Samoan remarks to give special acknowledgement to Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas Doug Domenech and other off island guests.
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The Speaker also gave special thanks to the Flag Day Committee chairs, Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega for orchestrating a memorable amd enjoyable celebration.
