Wreaths were laid Monday at sea, the Satala cemetery, and the Veterans Memorial Monument in Tafuna in remembrance of the sacrifice of U.S. service men and women who died in the line of duty.
Despite the rain, government leaders, lawmakers, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, veterans, and their families, gathered at the Veterans Monument for the main Memorial day Service. Pastor Bam Lauvao offered the invocation…
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Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula said Memorial Day was not just a holiday, but a time to pause and remember those who gave their lives so we can live in peace. He highlighted that American Samoa American Samoa has the highest military enlistment rate of any U.S. state or territory—a testament to our values of duty, honor, and love of country.
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Governor Pulaalii, along with retired Army Lt. Colonel Mapu Jamias, Igafo Togia representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sgt. Major Tusipasi Suiaunoa, and Tumua Viena, President of Toa o Samoa Golf Club, took part in the wreath-laying ceremony. Samoa’s Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio, also laid a wreath. 
First Lady Lois Phillips-Pula, veterans and family members, directors, and those attending presented orchid ulas.
Seven police officers fired the 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of “Taps.”
Another poignant ceremony followed in the Veterans Memorial Center: the unveiling of the Wall of Honor, which pays tribute to American Samoa’s fallen heroes.
Starting in September 2024, 25 Tafuna High School JROTC cadets spent months researching, fundraising, and collaborating with the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs and All Star Signs on the Wall of Honor. Their mission was to create a permanent home for remembrance of the 13 fallen heroes from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cadets raised $10,000 for the project.
They also collected personal stories ensuring these heroes are remembered not just as soldiers, but as sons, daughters, parents, and friends.
The fallen heroes are:
- Specialist Farao Kevin Letufuga
- Private Jonathon Ioakimo Falaniko
- Staff Sgt. Salamo Tuialuuluu
- Sgt. Tina Time
- Staff Sgt. Ioasa Tava’e Jr.
- Staff Sgt. Frank Faga Tia’i
- Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Sifoa Loa
- Sgt. Raymon Sevaaetasi
- Pvt. First Class Timothy Ray Vimoto
- Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao
- Lt. Col. Max Galeai
- Staff Sgt. Loleni Gandy
- First Lt. Jason Togi
Photos: KVZK-TV/Tafuna JROTC
