Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In observance of Veterans Day, Governor Pulaalii Nikolai Pula has declared Wednesday, November 11, 2026 a public holiday in American Samoa. All ASG offices will be closed, with normal government operation resuming on Thursday, November 12, 2026,  Department directors and agency heads are reminded to ensure essential government services remain operational as necessary.

“On behalf of Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala and the Administration, we express our sincere gratitude to all veterans and their families, particularly our sons and daughters, for their service and sacrifice. We honor the courage and dedication of those who served in United States Armed Forces to defend our nation and uphold our freedoms. Happy Veterans Day! God bless our veterans, and God bless American Samoa,” Governor Pulaali i Nikolao Pula said in general memorandum issued over the weekend.  

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee is honoring U.S. Veterans and especially thanking American Samoa’s Veterans this Veterans Day.

“Thank you to our Veterans, and have a blessed Veterans Day. You mean so much to our islands, and we appreciate your leadership and wisdom,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am humbled to serve our Veterans on the Committee, where we constantly hear from our Veterans and work for improved performance from the VA, based on that input from Veterans and Service Organizations.

“Thank you to each one for your service and patriotism,” continued Amata. “ As a nation, we have made an enduring national commitment to all our veterans for their care and wellbeing, at every age. This includes their healthcare, assisting transitions out of the Armed Forces, furthering their second careers or higher education, to hospice, burial services and dignified funeral honors, as well as survivor benefits and comfort. Our Veterans should know their families are secure.

“Like so many of us in American Samoa, my father and brothers served, and we love and honor our Veterans and our military families. May God protect our Service Members, and bless and uphold our Veterans.”

On Monday, the House was scheduled to vote on the bipartisan Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026. The bill increases the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.

The US Postal Service Office and the Territorial Bank of American Samoa will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, tomorrow.

In honor of Veterans Day, Samoa News offices will also be closed and there will be no Wednesday issue. Samoa News will finish out the week with issues on Thursday and Friday. 

BACKGROUND

Originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to mark the first anniversary of the end of World War I (hostilities formally ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918). 

Renamed Veterans Day in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor all American veterans who served in ll wars and conflicts, distinguishing it from Memorial Day, which specifically remembers those who died while in service.

Veterans Day honors all living and deceased men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

It is observed on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. When it was originally signed into law in 1968, with three other national holidays— Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day), Memorial Day, and Columbus Day (Discovers Day) — all four were established to be three-day weekends for Federal employees to celebrate on a Monday. 

According to the Veterans Affairs website, “It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production.”

However, it was restored to be observed on November 11 (no matter which day it fell on) in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford, returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. It is now observed on the day the date falls.

This action, according to Veteran Affairs, supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people to preserve the historical significance of the date. 

It also helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.