Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has issued an Executive Order establishing the 125th Flag Day Celebration Commission.
The Governor said that April 17, 2025 will mark the 125th anniversary of the raising of the US flag on local soil. “Such a significant anniversary deserves an equally well prepared and presented celebration mindful of our heritage, our history and the significant contributions to the Armed Forces. The establishment of a 125th Flag Day Celebration Commission will provide for focused development and coordinated execution of an enhanced observance of this anniversary.”
Lemanu has appointed Robert Schaffer as the Executive Director of the Commission, and members are the directors of the following departments/agencies or their designees:
- American Samoa Community College.
- Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Education
- Department of Parks and Recreation
- Historical Preservation Office
- American Samoa Visitors Bureau
- Feleti Barstow Public Library,
- Jean P. Hayden Museum.
- Office of Archives and Records Management
- Office of Samoan Affairs
The Commission is to research, plan, coordinate, review and promote programs, events and activities throughout the territory to celebrate the 125th Flag Day and to foster knowledge and understanding of this formative period of our history, and how it has shaped and continues to shape who we are as a people and a territory.
It is to engage willing stakeholders, including the federal government and US Armed Forces, to organize and participate in programs, events and activities in the observance of the 125th Flag Day.
The commission is to develop an initial plan and submit it to the Governor within 30 days of this executive order.
