The Veterans Memorial Stadium is undergoing a renovation, committees have been meeting, fautasi crews are picking up the pace of training and dance and siva practice are in high gear as the territory’s main event of the year Flag Day draws near.
According to a preliminary program of the 2024 celebration, events will begin with the judging of the village beautification competition from April 8-10. The Arts Council Flag Day Performing Arts Festival is planned for April 11, 12 and 13 with the final evening devoted to showcasing American Samoa’s entertainment for the 13th Pacific Arts Festival in Honolulu in June.
A Flag Day church service is planned for Sunday April 14. The next day Monday, April 15, a Flag Day ava ceremony is on the schedule and that’s also when the cricket championship will be held. On April 16, the fautasi race is at noon, and the Flag Day Parade from OMV to the Veterans Memorial Stadium with the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band and Samoa Police Band is set for 3 that afternoon. A State Dinner that evening will cap off the day.
The program for the actual Flag Day, April 17, includes the pass in review, the flag raising, speeches, as well as the pese and siva. In the evening is a Family Fun Event and a Flag Day Drone Show, billed as Light up the Night by ASTCA.
Various sports competitions, including a fishing tournament and international 7s rugby, will also be part of the Flag Day celebration.
