Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tomorrow, American Samoa joins the rest of the United States and Americans around the world in celebration of Thanksgiving Day — a federal and public holiday. Like the rest of the nation, many local residents will mark Thanksgiving with prayers and celebrations through gatherings with families and friends, as well as religious traditions.

Sons and daughters of American Samoa serving in the US Armed Forces around the world will also be in the minds and hearts of their families and loved ones at home as they gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, which, according to historians, was first celebrated by early Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. It was a three-day feast. George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War.

For American Samoa, a special 4-day weekend is on the table.

Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula released a general memorandum, dated November 25, 2025, announcing the two holidays in the territory —  Thanksgiving Day on Nov 27th, and the following day, Friday, Nov. 28th, in honor and observance of the official opening ceremony of the American Samoa Maota Fono.

For both days, all government offices will be closed and all normal operations will be suspended on both days.

Of note: While federal agencies/ offices are closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day, Friday is not a federal holiday — meaning the US Postal Office should be open on that day. Samoa News has also been informed that the Territorial Bank of American Samoa (TBAS) will be open on Friday, Nov. 28th.

The governor’s memo notes that ASG will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 1, 2025,

Governor Pulaali’i wishes “everyone a safe and restful holiday with family and loved ones.”

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Thanksgiving Day 2025:

Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV) ~ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The Holy Bible has no shortage of thanksgiving verses, reminding us to live with gratitude and be mindful of our blessings, and God as their source. We are a thankful people, and these verses stood out to me this year, because they highlight singing, and our people dearly love to sing. I personally love to hear our various congregations or school groups as they follow our wonderful island tradition of enjoying music to the fullest.

A special thank you to those protecting us in the military, who can’t be home, or serving as medical professionals and first responders on call to keep us safe during our time off.

Thanksgiving is a welcome but brief pause in the Washington, D.C., busy schedule. Congress must promptly complete the remaining appropriations bills, or renew a government funding extension after January for some federal departments and agencies. I also expect we will very soon finalize the yearly NDAA Defense bill which authorizes all Pentagon efforts and the pay increase for our military, and a Coast Guard authorization that directs growing attention to the Pacific and boosts the cutter fleet. I will keep you informed of these priorities.

In The Territory:

Several local restaurants are offering Thanksgiving specials tomorrow, which will take the burden off those who don’t want to cook and clean up but instead, enjoy each other’s company over food and drinks. It will also not be unusual to see the parks/ beaches full with families and people celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday.

A few stores are also offering ready cooked turkey feasts and the Thanksgiving holiday heading into the weekend is another busy time for inter Samoa travel. Because of the holidays, police presence will increase island-wide and motorists are reminded not to drink and drive.

In observation of Thanksgiving Day 2025, Samoa News will not publish tomorrow and Friday, but will return on Monday, Dec. 1.

Samoa News reminds all — to please celebrate the 4-day weekend safely and peacefully. And, please be kind to one another.

We wish you all a joyful time and delicious meals this Thanksgiving with family and dear friends. Have a blessed and thankful holiday!