Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Visitors bureau has been welcoming this week visitors and guests who have traveled from afar to commemorate the 125th year birthday of the union with the United States of America.

“We are honored by the visit of the Governor of Hawaii, Honorable Governor Josh Green, and his team; and we also acknowledge the presence of the different arm branches of the armed forces that have joined us for this momentous occasion,” the Visitor’s Bureau said in notice released yesterday.

To extend the warm spirit of alofa and the true Samoan way of hospitality, the American Samoa Visitors Bureau prepared a small refreshment setup to welcome all our guests upon arrival as a way of saying fa’afetai and talofa lava.

And as Flag Day festivities wind down, American Samoa looks forward to Easter Sunday and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following Easter statement:

“As Christians have proclaimed for 2,000 years: He is risen! It is a joy to celebrate Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on this special Sunday.

During this Holy Week, we can count our many blessings, from the happy moments of daily life to our most cherished beliefs that we share among Christians.

“Thank you to our pastors and congregations in American Samoa as you lead us in worship and growth in faith.

“May God bless our islands as we celebrate the Resurrection together in unity and peace. Have a blessed Easter Sunday!”

As today dawned, churches around the world began holding services for their three most important days during this Holy Week: Holy Thursday, sometimes called Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Easter commemorates Christ’s resurrection from the dead, the fundamental belief of Christianity. It is the earliest and most central of all Christian holidays, more ancient than Christmas.

Samoa News wishes a joyful and prayerful Easter holiday to all. 

No Easter greeting from ASG was received at press time.