Pacific News Briefs
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 9:33am
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The early morning downpour on Monday could not dampen the patriotic spirit and enthusiasm of hundreds of Samoans from all walks of life and different age groups

![Samoa celebrates 62 years of independence from colonial rule at the Malae o Tiafau i Mulinuu on Monday, June 3, 2024 (Samoa time). [photo: Talaia Mika] Samoa Independence celebration](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoa_independence_copy.jpg?itok=e-S33seE)
![The Iakopo clan flying the American Samoa flag high and proud at the ongoing Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji which ends on June 8th. (l-r) Stanley Iakopo and children Mametto and Filomenaleonisa. So far, they have bagged a gold and bronze for American Samoa. [courtesy photo] The Iakopo clan](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/5065.jpg?itok=893A2BQg)
![In February, the Samoan officer became the first soldier to receive Army approval to possess such tattoos on her hands, a mark of recognition of the diverse communities that comprise the force and carry a calling for service. [photo: Jon Simkins/ staff] Army Capt. Isis Sake](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/capt._isis_sake.jpeg?itok=YWbw6Ebk)






