Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It’s official — the 2021 Flag Day, marking 121 years since American Samoa became a US territory, will be a one day ceremony set at the Malaeoletalu in Fagatogo on Apr. 16th, a Friday, because Apr. 17th — the official Flag Day — is on a Saturday.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Silage Mauga gave a brief update on this year’s Flag Day during yesterday’s cabinet meeting, saying that it has already been stated to cabinet members that the 2021 Flag Day event will be scaled down.

Because Apr. 17th is a Saturday, the Flag Day ceremony, which includes prayers and flag raising, will be held on Apr. 16th - a Friday, said Lemanu.

He said that while Apr. 16th will be a holiday; however, it will still be considered a usual workday for ASG entities, because after Malaeoletalu, the celebration then moves to the Suigaula O le Atuvasa Park, where the event continues with a BBQ and other events, in which the public is invited to attend and enjoy.

Lemanu explained that each ASG entity is set up to do BBQ and tents will be set up for the public. And employees of the ASG entities will be working that Friday doing the BBQ and serving the public.

However, he said Monday, Apr. 19th is the official ASG holiday, the day off and offices closed. And those working will be compensated according to law and regulations.

The governor said a memo is coming out soon to cabinet members to fully explain the Apr. 16th day, being a holiday but still an ASG workday, but schools will be closed that day. However, teacher and all administrators will work at the BBQ site for the local Education Department.

The governor reminded cabinet directors that there is so much that “we have to be thankful for this year and we must offer our prayers to God for His continued blessings over  us” especially during these difficult times with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said American Samoa remains COVID-19 free and prayers must be offered for this.