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The Swains Island Centennial Flag Day yesterday may not have been on the same scale as the American Samoa and Manu’a Flag Day celebrations, but it was a very spirited and memorable one especially for Swains islanders.
It was like a big family reunion where family members, some traveling from Hawaii, and the mainland, joined local relatives to sing in their native tongue and perform traditional dances that their elders used to perform on their island.
Before daylight, the official flag raising ceremony was underway at Utulei Beach Park, with descendants of the first settler on Swains Eli Hutchinson Jennings hosting the flags of the United States, American Samoa and Swains. Another descendant, Pastor Michael Thomas, who traveled from the mainland, delivered the invocation; US Navy Veteran David Jennings, raised the US flag; Army veteran Cristabel Joyner hoisted the American Samoa flag; and Army Reservists Aukuso Fruean Jr. and Anderson Pa raised the Swains Island flag. The U.S. anthem was sung by Nicolette Jennings Smith, the American Samoa Arts Council Choir sung Amerika Samoa, and a group of about 60 Swains islanders—which included small children—performed the Swains anthem.
The English version of the proclamation was read by Vaalele Lilylei Togiola, while Trixie Scanlan Fruean read the Samoan text.
Governor Nikolao Pula and First Lady Dr. Lois Phillips Pula, Senate President Pro Tempore Magalei Logovii, most of the cabinet members, several House representatives, and Samoa’s Consul General Fata Brian Kaio braved the early morning wind and wet weather to celebrate with Swains Delegate Su’a Alexander Jennings and the people of Swains.
After the raising of the flags the celebration continued at Lee Auditorium.
Governor Pulaalii, in his address, highlighted the fact that the Swains Island Representative now has full voting rights in the Fono.
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The Governor praised Swains Delegate Su’a Alexander Jennings for his perseverance in attaining the Swains island vote.
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Governor Pulaalii said that Swains is a scientific treasure with its rich marine and wildlife resources, biodiversity and critical natural resources, which must be preserved. He noted that Swains Island provides 50% of the exclusive economic zone of American Samoa and the island is of major importance to the national interest of the United States and American Samoa.
Swains Representative Su’a Alex Jennings in his remarks asked that divisions and disagreements be left in the past, while leaders work in unity and serve the people rather than be served.
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Guests were treated to entertainment by the American Samoa Arts Council Choir, the Tuvalu-fou Community, Teine Lalelei Dance Academy, and the Swains Island community. Gift bags were presented to some of the guests and before the final prayer, Senate President Pro Tempore Magalei Logovii spoke on behalf of the government to thank Rep. Jennings and the Swains island community.
Photos by Pauga Joey Cummings and Faafua Cummings.
