Just before 2:30 this afternoon a Department of Public Safety honor guard lowered the flags of the United States and American Samoa bringing the 2019 Flag day celebration to an end.
By then, the stadium had emptied out save for dignitaries in the main grandstand.
Dark clouds were gathering over the hills of Aoloau as Reverend Richard Vaeao gave the final prayer.
Before that, the Office of Samoan Affairs presented sua and monetary gifts of $3,000 each to Samoa’s Head of State and Prime Minister, plus 20 cases of tuna each while ava bowls and cases of tuna were gifted to other VIPs who joined the territory’s commemoration of 119 years under the US flag.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale thanked all the overseas dignitaries, sports teams, organizations, sponsors and all those who participated and supported this year’s celebration.
Trophies and cash prizes were also presented for the fautasi race and the cricket competition.
Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs Malemo Tausaga, the emcee for the event, did not state the amount of the cash prizes.
A total of $20,000 was presented to the Saleaumua Village group from Samoa as staffers from the Governor’s Office handed two bundles of $10,000 to a representative of the village.
It’s understood that Samoana, Leone and Tafuna high schools, which wowed everyone with their stellar performances, will be receiving monetary gifts but the amounts were not announced.
Saleaumua was the last group to entertain today; they presented gifts of fine mats to local leaders and some of the off island guests.
The focus of the 2019 Fag Day celebration, the youth, certainly stepped up to the plate for the various tasks they were given, from the reading of the proclamation to singing of the anthems to entertaining.
The majority of the groups who marched in the Flag Day parade were the youth.
Since last week for the We are one Festival and Multicultural Program, elementary and high schools turned out in force to dance and sing.
In his keynote address Rear Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commander Coast Guard 14th District, Honolulu, spoke to the youth.
Play Audio
Acting Governor Lemanu expressed similar sentiments.
Play Audio
In his Flag Day remarks Acting Governor bid farewell to the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Honolulu, Michael Long who is ending his tenure, as well as outgoing General Manager of StarKist Samoa Sangdong Kwan, who is returning to Donwgwon, the parent company of StarKist Co.
Lemanu also announced that there will be no school for public schools tomorrow. Tomorrow is a work day for ASG but Friday will be a holiday for Good Friday.
First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga gave a message from Governor Lolo Moliga.
Play Audio
