Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Friday, April 11, 2025, a delegation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) paid a courtesy visit to Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr.

While in American Samoa, the delegation will also participate in the 125th Flag Day celebrations and engage in discussions with the territory's leadership regarding the challenges faced by veterans and potential strategies for the Office of Veterans Affairs to address these issues.

During the meeting, the VFW representatives expressed their sincere appreciation to Pulaali’i and Pulumataala for the opportunity to discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of veterans across the territory.

Governor Pulaali’i commended the delegation for their dedicated service in the Armed Forces and acknowledged their ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans.

He welcomed their participation in the Flag Day festivities and extended his best wishes for a meaningful and enjoyable visit.

In honor of American Samoa's Flag Day, the delegation presented Governor Pulaali’i with two symbolic gifts: an American flag that was flown over the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2024, and a Pōhaku Ku‘i ‘Ai (poi pounder), representing life and the deep connection to the land and its people.

Members of the VFW Delegation:

Benedict Fuata – VFW State Commander

George Bartlett – State of Hawaii Adjutant

Norbert Enos – VFW State of Hawaii Quartermaster

Fa’amanu Teofilo – Post 3830 Commander

Ray Loo – Veterans Service Officer

Joshua Taueu – Aide-de-Camp

Pava Malologa Pagai – Director, Office of Veterans Affairs

Igafo Maria Brown – Commander, Samoa Veterans of Foreign Wars

This visit highlights the ongoing collaboration between the VFW and the American Samoa Government in addressing veterans' needs and strengthening support services within the territory.

(Source: Governor’s Office Press Release)

ALASKA CAR CLUB CELEBRATES FLAG DAY

American Samoa celebrates April 17 as Flag Day, and this year marks 125 years since the American flag was raised over Tutuila and Aunu’u.

In Anchorage, the FiLi OAlaska Tatou E Tasi car club celebrated Sunday with a totem parade and celebratory cruise.

FiLi OAlaska treasurer Regina Tauoa-Faamasino said their celebration was open to the community — even the Samoans present represented different homes with different flags.

“At 5 we take off and show our love ... we invited everybody because this is not just for us, for our Samoan community over here,” Tauoa-Faamasino said.

“We have this thing called a boat race back home,” Tauoa-Faamasino said, referencing the Fautasi race in American Samoa, which involves teams of up to 50 rowers in long canoes measuring up to 100 feet.

Under a cloudy grey sky instead of on open waters, Samoans in Alaska still raised their flags representing their individual villages of origin.

(Source: Alaska News — Apr. 13, 2025)