Organizers of the Veterans Day celebration over the weekend have been praised for staging a fitting, memorable and fun filled celebration to pay tribute to veterans and their families, one which was also enjoyed by the public.
An early morning wave on Friday in front of McDonald’s brought out a large crowd of veterans, including Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and First Lady Ella, both US Army veterans.
Then, in the evening, the mood turned solemn with a candle light ceremony and laying of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial Monument, followed by a dinner in the VA Center which was transformed into a fine dining restaurant.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, in his remarks at the candle lighting ceremony, spoke about the sacrifice that veterans of all branches of the US Armed forces have made in the defense of freedom. The Governor said it was important to commemorate and honor their sacrifices lest today’s generations will forget that blood was shed to win the freedoms and liberties that are enjoyed today.
Fono leaders, Congresswoman Uifaatali, and directors were present along with veterans and their families.
Samoa‘s Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, who’s also president of the Returned Servicemen Association of Samoa, praised the initiative by Governor Lemanu to help extend services and assistance for veterans and their families living in Samoa. He said the Government of Samoa fully supports and welcomes this development.
The Deputy PM said thanks to assistance from the Governor and ASG Veterans Affairs Office, a US Army veteran from Samoa, Toafitu Petaia, was given full military honors, including the presentation of the US flag to his widow, at his burial last week in Apia, a first for any veteran in Samoa.
The highlight of the Veterans Day celebration was the “Thank a veteran under the Stars” concert held Saturday evening at the Veterans Monument Park.
Local and visiting entertainers namely Paul Ieti and Mr. Cowboy were definitely crowd pleasers, along with local talents.
At the event, Governor Lemanu led a special tour of the historical bunkers behind the Veterans Monument, offering Deputy Prime Minister Tuala and Samoa’ s Returned Servicemen Association Vice President Peter Antonius Jensen, a glimpse into the region’s wartime history.
The bunkers were a part of the historical Tafuna Airfield built by the U.S. Marines and Navy Seabees to support the military and store ammunition during the World War II era.
Photos: Governor’s Office
