Wednesday, July 16, is an ASG holiday to mark Manu’a Cession Day. It commemorates the ceding of the Manu’a islands to the United States following the signing of the Deed of Cession of Manu’a by King Tuimanu’a Elisara in 1904.
The celebration began in Manu’a over the weekend with a cricket competition, a volleyball tournament, and a Farm Fair.
On Tuesday, two school facilities were dedicated: Fitiuta Elementary School’s new multipurpose gymnasium, and the Ta‘ū Consolidated Elementary School.
The Manu’a Cession Day church service was held Tuesday afternoon at the EFKAS Church in Ta’u, and cultural entertainment by church youth groups in Manu’a and the Malualii Siva Academy from Tutuila was held in the evening at the Manu’a High School gym.
The raising of the flag and ava ceremony takes place at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning at Malaetele, Ta’u.
Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula, lawmakers, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Samoa’s Consul General Fata Brian Kaio, and many ASG employees from Tutuila are in Manu’a for the celebration.
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said Manu’a Cession Day marks the anniversary of the 1904 U.S. flag-raising in Manu’a, as beautiful Ta’u, Ofu, and Olosega officially joined the United States as part of American Samoa:
“This celebration is a wonderful tradition. We appreciate and honor the wisdom of these forefathers, the matai chiefs of the time, providing generations of security and blessings to our people. Since then, our service members, veterans, and military families can take special pride in their service to the greater cause of freedom as part of the United States. I’m so happy to take part in this year’s celebration with the people of Manu’a!”
Photo: ASG
