Program for Swains Island centennial anniversary, May 13

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Rain or shine, the celebration of the Swains Island centennial—marking the day when the island became part of the territory of American Samoa— will go on tomorrow.

The venue for the celebration is Utulei Beach Park. With an early morning start, all invited guests are to be seated by 6:30 a.m. The program is set to start at 7 a.m. with Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs, High Talking Chief Vaiutusala Sataua, Dr. Mataese Samuelu giving welcoming remarks, after which Pastor Michael Thomas will deliver the invocation.

The proclamations will be recited by Vaalele Lilylei Togiola in English and the Samoan version will be read by Trixie Scanlan-Fruean.

Navy veteran David Jennings will hoist the US flag, while the US anthem is sung by Nicolette Jennings Smith.
Army veteran Cristable Joyner will raise the American Samoa flag, and “Amerika Samoa” will be sung by the American Samoa Arts Council Choir.

The Swains Island flag will be raised by Army Reservists Aukuso Fruean Jr. and Anderson Pa, while the Swains Island community will sing a special composition.

Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula will provide the keynote address and Swains delegate Su’a Alexander Jennings will deliver remarks.

There will be entertainment by the American Samoa Arts Council Choir, Tuvalu Fou Community, Teine Lalelei Academy and the Swains Island community.

Rep. Jennings expressed his thanks to Governor Pulaalii for declaraing May 13 as a holiday to honor the Swains Island 100th year anniversary. He said that while they have been calling Swains islanders for entertainment practice for the last few weeks, it was only after the Governor issued the official proclamation for the Swains holiday last Tuesday that there’s been a big turnout. Several Swains islanders have traveled from Hawaii and the mainland to be part of the celebration.

Rep. Jennings invites the public to join the celebration tomorrow at Utulei Beach.