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Honoring our veterans in American Samoa and around the nation

Sign reading — In honor of our veterans
reporters@samoanews.com
God bless all our Veterans, God bless American Samoa, and God bless the United States of America.

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga declared that Veterans Day on Nov. 11th will be observed as a holiday in American Samoa and all government offices are closed today. Prior to the official observance put together by the ASG Veterans Affairs Office at the Veterans Memorial Center, the Governor issued this statement honoring our veterans:

"On this Veterans Day, let us pay tribute and thank all those who have been a part of the great brotherhood and sisterhood we call the U.S. military—our veterans, active-duty service members, guardsmen and reservists. It is your service and sacri ce that has kept our country safe and free.

"No matter which branch you served in, whatever your job path or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and sel ess act. One that resulted in few guarantees not knowing where you would be assigned; whether and where you might deploy; and, in some cases, if you would return home in one piece or at all.

We thank and applaud those who have served and those who continue to serve today, we and America can sleep peacefully at night. Military men and women know the risks, but they accept them in many cases so that others won’t have to.

"Join Lieutenant Governor Lemanu and me, along with our families, in thanking our Veterans and remembering our heroes because they never gave up on us, and surely can’t give up on them.

"While thousands of other brave men and women have returned from war throughout our nation’s history, there are still service members in harm’s way around the world. I would ask you to please pause for a moment to think of those currently standing watch across the globe."

Likewise, Congresswoman Aumua Amata sent the following message:

“God bless all of our Veterans on this Veterans Day,” said Aumua Amata. “Everywhere I go in the U.S. or traveling internationally, I find some of our own serving our country in uniform. Our Veterans have been all over the world serving with honor. They’ve made us proud, and each one has contributed to the building of a special tradition of service throughout our islands.

“To all our military families, thank you also for standing behind your loved ones as they follow this calling and protect our freedom. The entire family has a part.

“The country owes a lifelong debt to those who serve,” continued Amata. “It’s humbling to serve on the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and be a part of the ongoing efforts to ensure consistent services to our Veterans, especially the national responsibility to their health care, including mental health services. We will always value the leadership and strength of our Veterans in our community.”