On Friday, July 4th — America's Independence Day — over 1,000 youth from across the island gathered together for a Youth Day parade, and walking from the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center to Utulei's Su’igaula Park, they kicked off Youth Month, the month of July.

Hosted by the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) along with the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) 4-H Club, the parade was led by the Boy Scouts of American Samoa and Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who is the acting governor. The parade included youth from various island groups, including the Filipino, Fijian, Tongan, Tuvalu and Indian communities, as well as several church group organizations and villages — all celebrating the diverse youth of American Samoa.

Opening remarks were offered by Director of DYWA Jonathan Fanene and ASCC Community and Natural Resources Director Dr. Tapaau Dan Aga, with special remarks from the Lieutenant Governor. Benediction was offered by Rev. Faatauva’a Talamoni, of the EFKAS of  Pago Pago.

Lemanu said of the youth, “They are the future of their families and the Territory”. He noted that as Gov. Lolo M. Moliga has pointed out, whether you are from the Philipines, India, Fiji, China, etc. — we are all of American Samoa — uniting in our common goal — of community support and standing together for a better future.

He thanked all that participated in the parade and for those that helped make the Youth Day celebration a realization.

Fanene in his remarks, reminded youth of the wisdom of Solomon, as written in the Bible, that these are the times of their life that are the most important — used wisely — it will lead them to become leaders in their families, church and community.

Tapaau, in his opening remarks, thanked Fanene for allowing the 4-H Club the opportunity to celebrate with DYWA this year’s Youth Day celebrations.

There were also lively group performances by the ASCC Samoan Dance Group, Faleniu 3rd Ward, and Miss Flowers Organization, among others.

To finish off the day, in the spirit of America's birthday, was a brilliant fireworks display that was sponsored by Bluesky Communications and the DYWA.

The remainder of the month will see several events for the youth, included fishing and boating tours led by the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) today, Wednesday and Friday. Tomorrow and Thursday there will be a DYWA Kickball Tournament at Lions Park. Next week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, DMWR will host a Summer Fishing Camp.

Keep reading Samoa News to keep track of all of the events that are planned this month for the youth. For more information you can call the DYWA office at 633-2835.