Swains Island, which has been uninhabited for more than 30 years, will have close to 100 on the island this weekend.
The Manu’atele, taking Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and the malaga from Tutuila, arrived in Swains at daybreak.
Peter Talivaa, who’s been in Swains for two weeks with an advance team, reported this morning that a huge bonfire was lit on the beach to acknowledge the arrival of the malaga. “This is a Swains island tradition,” he said of the bonfire.
Saturday marks the 98th anniversary of the raising of the US flag on Swains island by US Naval Lt. Commander C.D Edgar.
The flag raising will be reenacted in Taulaga village on Saturday. Governor Lemanu and Swains Representative Su’a Alexander Jennings will give speeches, prayers will be offered by the Governor’s Office chaplain, Rev. Mageo Patolo Mageo, and a group of Swains islanders from Tutuila will entertain.
The event ends with a Flag Day reception hosted by Governor Lemanu in the afternoon.
