Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The annual White Sunday celebration coupled with the Monday federal and local holiday (Discoverers’ Day), adds up to a three-day weekend, and a busy one at that, as residents gear up for Sunday, dedicated to the children of American Samoa.

Introduced in the islands by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, White Sunday has become a special holiday, with children being treated to the best — from White Sunday outfits to food served during family toanai. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of October.

White Sunday may be considered the only day of the year dedicated towards our children and youth, and when we also acknowledge that our precious children are loved and cared for throughout the year, with the help of our spiritual leaders.

While American Samoa and other parts of the world experience abuse and neglect to children,, “let us be forever vigilant in ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of each child in our families,” former Gov. Lolo Moliga once said..

Traffic today and tomorrow is expected to give many motorists headaches, especially in the areas of Laufou Shopping Center and downtown Fagatogo. Some shoppers opted to carry out this faithful duty beginning late last week so they would not be caught in traffic.

Police are beefing up road patrols today and tomorrow because of expected traffic congestion and are calling on drivers to watch out for pedestrians, especially young children. Police also urge parents to keep a close watch on their kids while out White Sunday shopping.

White Sunday is also celebrated in other parts of the world where Samoan communities are located, such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fort Hood (Texas), New Zealand and Australia.

On Monday, a federal holiday, the local government will be closed along with the majority of businesses in the territory, including the banks, and the canneries. The U.S. Post Office and all federal offices here and in the U.S. will also be closed.

In honor of White Sunday and Discoverers’ Day, the Samoa News will not publish on Monday but will return on Tuesday.

Samoa News staff and management wish all the children of the world a day, such as our White Sunday, filled with special moments of loving-kindness, celebrating our children as gifts of God.

Have a happy and safe “Lotu Tamaiti” American Samoa.