“We possess the greatest gift of freedom because of your bravery. You have put your lives at stake to protect the freedom we hold so dearly. The sacrifice you have made will not go in vain.”
So reads Governor Lolo Moliga’s message for Veterans Day.
He expresses gratitude for the selfless service that our military men and women provide.
“I cannot thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for our territory and our great nation. Without your bravery and compromises, we would not be here today.”
The governor continues, “I am truly grateful for your service. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your bravery. Our people and I are forever grateful.”
Lolo says liberty comes at a price and these men and women in uniform have paid that price.
The governor asks residents to reflect on the sacrifice by our military heroes.
“While we rejoice and bask in the freedom we enjoy today, we shall take a moment and remember them in prayer. We pray for the repose of their souls, and for our Heavenly father to comfort their families as they continue to mourn their passing.”
Veterans Day, November 11 falls on Sunday, which also marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which is the day of the signing of the agreement which brought World Way 1 to an end.
The agreement was signed on the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
ASG’s Veterans Affairs Officer Rosie Lancaster told KHJ News yesterday that a church service commemorating Veterans Day will be held 9 am Sunday at the CCCAS Church in Matuu, led by Rev. Asiata Fouvale.
Governor Lolo Moliga is to dedicate a wreath honoring those who have perished in the line of duty at the service.
It’s planned that a US Air Force Band participating in the 5th Annual Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival will be included in the Sunday service.
As of yesterday there was no government ceremony planned for Monday which is a federal and ASG holiday for Veterans Day.
In past years, a wreath is laid at sea, the Satala cemetery and at the Veterans Monument at Tafuna, the flags of the different branches of the US Armed Forces are raised, and there’s a gun salute in memory of the fallen heroes.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars usually has a flag raising ceremony at the Veterans Monument in Tafuna at sunrise but efforts to find out if that is happening Monday were not successful.
