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As we count our bessings, Thanksgiving Day is here

Today American Samoa joins the rest of the United States and Americans around the world as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day; a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November established by federal legislation in 1941.

 

Prior to 1941, it was an annual tradition in the United States by presidential proclamation since 1863 and by state legislation since colonial times, with George Washington proclaiming the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln reviving the tradition during the Civil War.

 

While many stories exist about the origin of the holiday — one has the first celebration happening between American Indians and English settlers in the New World during a particularly hard winter — historically, Thanksgiving has traditionally been a celebration of the blessings of the (agricultural) year, including the harvest. It is also said to be in response to events that the Puritans, among the first settlers in the New World, viewed as acts of special providence.

 

In the territory, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga said in his Thanksgiving Day message, “On this Thanksgiving Day, let us remember those who are destitute, impoverished, and the unfortunate, beseeching God through our prayers that on this Thanksgiving Day let them feel the warmth of His peace and the strength of His love to give them hope that they are not alone and that God is the pathway out of their troubles.”

 

Lolo called on residents to extend gratitude and thanks for the sacrifice of the men and women in uniform — especially the sons and daughters of American Samoa — who have been placed in harm's way to instill peace and harmony in the world.

 

“This Thanksgiving Day is truly special for me for God's goodness was clearly evident to me and my family this year as He looked with favor on me when my health was faltering, and through the power of prayers restored my health,” the governor said.

 

(Lolo was hospitalized in Washington D.C. in mid February this year and then in Honolulu. Once he was released from the hospital he worked out of the ASG Hawai’i office, when he was not tending to his doctor’s appointments. He returned to the territory in late July this year.)

 

Like the rest of the nation, many local residents mark Thanksgiving with prayers and celebration in gatherings that include families, friends and religious gatherings.

 

One major public event, which starts at 10a.m., today, is the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago raffle, with the first prize at $75,000.

 

Samoa News should point out that the two-day Territorial Farm Fair was scaled back to just one-day — with no activities scheduled for Thanksgiving.  (See Farm Fair photos in slideshow and read story below.)

 

Because of the holiday, all American Samoa government offices are closed today, which has been declared by the governor as Thanksgiving holiday for the government. Public school students however, have an extra day off on Friday, while teachers and other school officials are to report to their respective schools.

 

All ASG employees required to work on the holiday will be compensated in accordance with local laws. Samoa News has learned that some ASG employees plan to take Friday off as part of their vacation with some of them heading to Samoa.

 

The majority of local businesses are closed today, including all federal offices, the U.S. Post Office, and the two private banks, Bank of Hawaii and ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank. Most businesses will resume operation on Friday, including the Post Office.

 

StarKist Samoa, the largest private employer, is off today, Friday, and Saturday and will resume production next week Monday, according to StarKist Co. spokesperson Michelle Faist.

 

Because of the holiday, police have beefed up patrol island-wide to ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service is forecasting showers for the next few days, so drivers and shoppers need to take extra precautions as they travel.

 

Several local restaurants are offering Thanksgiving specials today while a few stores are also providing specials for those who do not have time to cook by preparing the usual Thanksgiving meals ready to be picked up.

 

And don’t forget the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, while for football fans; it's a day for watching their favorite game and teams.

 

Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season, with the next day being "Black Friday" the day merchants tout as the holiday shopping specials day.

 

Samoa News will not publish on Thanksgiving Day or Saturday, however we will publish on Friday.

 

Samoa News management and staff wish the people of American Samoa a very safe and happy Thanksgiving — with the hope of renewed spirit of giving to all.