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Samoa’s 55th Independence Day begins this Thursday (Samoa time)

Source: Samoa Observer

The celebration of Samoa’s 55th Independence Day will be held in front of the government building on Thursday morning.

It is the beginning of a two-day national holiday declared by the government for the nation to pay tribute to our forebears for the freedom we enjoy today.

With the Maota Fono at Tiafau still under construction, this is the second venue is as many years for the independence celebration.  Last year, the marches and official ceremony was held at Tuanaimato.

Why the government has decided to change the venue again could not be ascertained.

What we can tell you is that the official programme starts tomorrow night with the Dedication Service to bless the celebration at the Mulivai Cathedral. It starts at 6pm.

The official ceremony is scheduled to start at 6.05am the next day with the arrival of the official guests. They include the Head of Tokelau, Siopili Perez, Governor of American Samoa, Lolo Matalasi Moliga and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Bill English.

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, will deliver the official independence address followed by the raising of the flag by Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

Traditional entertainments are scheduled for the afternoon before the official programme ends.

The celebration will continue in the evening with the official Independence Ball hosted by the Samoa Hotels Association at Gym 3, Tuana’imato.

Friday is a national holiday with the Blues and Reds Super rugby match under the lights of Apia Park.