Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today marks the 118th Flag Day celebration in American Samoa, marking the more than 100 years since American Samoa become a US territory.

In his Flag Day remarks at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga noted that Flag Day is an annual celebration in which people of American Samoa thank God for His continued protection and love for the people of American samoa.

He said today’s “celebration is also an expression of our heart-felt and overwhelming gratitude to the United States of America for remaining faithful to its commitment to improving the lives of our people.”

He extend appreciation to VIPs and others from off island attending the celebration, including U.S. Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, Doug Domenech, who delivered the keynote address and Samoa’s Head of State.

To Domenech, Lolo said, “your presence speaks volume of your commitment and that of the Trump Administration ensuring that the needs of the people of American Samoa are properly met.”

The governor also acknowledge sons and daughters of American Samoa, such as Nikolao Pula, Lydia Faleafine and all sons and daughters of American Samoa serving in Washington D.C. and all over the United States.

“To all our sons and daughters in the military, we enjoy today’s celebration and our freedom everyday, because of your unwavering commitment to defend and protect the freedom of our people and that of our great nation,” he said. “Thank you very much for your service and we always remember you in our prayers.”

The governor then publicly, thanked US President Donald Trump “for his rapid response to my request to declare American Samoa a major disaster area” in February following Tropical Storm Gita.

He said the Trump declaration “opened the flood gate for federal assistance which is helping our people rebuild their homes and restore their sense of security.”

He also acknowledged and recognized with great appreciation and gratitude the “awesome and splendid work” done by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Small Business Administration, the Red Cross and all federal agencies “who are here to help our people.”

“Their demeanor and attitude in carrying out their duties have been wonderful, accommodating and compassionate. They really manifest the true spirit of public service,” Lolo said and expressed on behalf of the people of American Samoa “our gratefulness and sense of indebtedness with the manner with which you have helped restore normalcy to the lives of our people.”

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