Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On track and on time — reasonably so — after the last fa’afiafiaga performance, around 3p.m., the CEO of the American Red Cross in the Pacific Region  Diane Peters-Nguyen acknowledged and provided well wishes for the American Red Cross Centennial in American Samoa to Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga, who is the honorary chairman of the local Red Cross. Included as part of the presentation, was a letter from the President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden.

In his message, Biden sent “his congratulations to the Red Cross of American Samoa on the centennial of its founding” noting that “the Red Cross has exemplified the best of the human spirit, in moments of crisis.

“May you take pride in the hope you offer to people in their darkest hours and the resources you provide to so many communities.”

Peters-Nguyen offered her remarks on behalf of the Pacific Islands region, noting she was “honored and humbled to be with you today celebrating the American Samoa’s official 2023 Flag Day.

“This month we commemorate the Centennial of the founding of the American Red Cross here — a hundred years of alofa.

“We recognize our Red Cross board chair, Vaitoa Hans Langkilde, members of our board, staff and volunteers.

“For 100 years the Red Cross has been working here to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters and emergencies … so to the community here, who give up their time and financial resources, fa’afetai tele lava.”

Highlighting briefly Red Cross’ activities in the Territory during its 100 years presence, the presentation also included a message from the governor of the State of Hawaii, Josh Green M.D.

Gov. Green noted that Hawaii shares important cultural and historic ties with American Samoa and pointed out that “our people are resilient in the face of diversity such as climate change and the risk of more frequent and more devastating natural disasters, it is my great privilege to congratulate the Red Cross of American Samoa on this auspicious occasion.”

After the Red Cross presentation, Red Cross member Faipule Fiu Johnny Saelua presented the local Red Cross with $100,000 from Gov. Lemanu on behalf of the people of American Samoa. The check was presented by the First Lady, Ella Mauga. Aside from the monetary donation, special guests were also given goodie bags with souvenirs as a reminder of the 2023 Flag Day celebrations.

Following the Red Cross presentation, closing remarks were offered by Lt. Gov. Talauega E. V. Ale in which he thanked all the special guests with a special thank you going out to Catholic Bishop Peter Brown for starting off the flag day event with a prayer, and also “for his service not only to American Samoa, but to Samoa as well.”

He hoped that the bishop, who is retiring to New Zealand, will also remember the people of American Samoa in his prayers, as the people of American Samoa will remember him in theirs.

In his closing remarks, Talauega thanked the leaders of the local government — from all branches — administrative, judicial and legislative for attending as well the leaders from neighboring island countries and all who joined us in the celebration of the 2023 Flag Day.

The Awards Ceremony followed closing remarks, where the winners of the various Flag Day tournaments and Regatta, as well as the Flag Day performances were presented with their prizes or monetary gifts.

The awards were presented by Gov. Lemanu.

CRICKET — WOMEN’S TEAMS: Teine ole Seaula, from Aoa are the winners of this year’s women’s cricket tournamentw — receiving $10,000 dollars. Second place went to Teine ole Fa’asaulala from Vailoa, and was awarded $8,000; while Teine ole Aleiafi from Masefau, which placed third, was awarded $6,000. Teine ole Moli ole Ala from Lauli’i placed fourth and was awarded $5,000.

CRICKET — MEN’S TEAMS: Sinapati from Tafuna placed first and received $10,000; Autalavou Metotisi i Lauli’i placed second recieving $8,000; Mosiula from Masefau placed third and received $6,000; and, Aumaga a Fa’ilolo and Cricket Team placed fourth and received $5,000.

In addition to receiving monetary prizes, they were also given trophies and cups.

FAUTASI

In addition to receiving $20,000 for first place, Manulele Tausala was also awarded $10, 000 from G.H.C. Reid and Ford Motors, as well as the perpetual Lealaifuaneva Peter E Reid Cup.

Paepaeulupo’o was awarded $17,000 for second place, Fealofani $5,000 for 3rd place and Iseula $10,000 for 5th place. Matasaua and Taema were awarded $8,000 for their efforts as they were unable to complete the race due to taking on water at the start of the race.

Bishop Peter Brown also received an envelope as is customary to provide a gift to the a religious leader presiding over the Flag Day event. A gift of $10,000 was also given Samoa’s head of state, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II while a gift of $5,000 was given to Samoa’s Ministry of Health Valasi Luapitofanua To’ogamaga Tafita Selesele. A monetary gift was also provided to Boys and Girls vice president, Lorraine Orr and $3,000 was given to the Consulate of the Independent State of Samoa. 

All high school marching bands were given monetary gifts, but the amounts were not announced.