Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month and Armed Forces Day this Saturday, May 18, 2024, we pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of our service members. From the earliest days to the present, Air Force and Coast Guard members, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers have exemplified courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in safeguarding our freedoms. Their commitment embodies the spirit of our Nation and Territory.

Honoring our Toa o Samoa for Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month, we salute Air Force Master Sergeant Desirae Faasavalu at Ramstein Air Base, Germany and all our Toa o Samoa active duty and retired. [courtesy photo Uifa’atali Amata]

“During this month of tribute and every day, we extend our sincerest Fa'afetai Tele Lava to all our military personnel, past and present, for shouldering this immense responsibility. As we honor those who have served, we acknowledge the profound cost of freedom and the sacrifices endured by our veterans and their families,” Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga said on behalf of Lt. Gov. Laapui Talauega E.V. Ale and their families.

Honoring our Toa o Samoa for Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month, we salute the troops serving at Fort Lee, Virginia and all our Toa o Samoa active duty and retired. [courtesy photo Uifa’atali Amata]

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is also honoring those who serve this Armed Forces Day Saturday, May 18, and for Military Appreciation Month said, “We send our most sincere gratitude and respect to all current military members, especially thinking of our many serving from American Samoa!” said Congresswoman Amata. “We are proud to have our own making us proud in every branch of the United States Armed Forces.”

Honoring our Toa o Samoa for Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month, we salute Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Tomio Nomura-Brown of Afono Village and all our Toa o Samoa active duty and retired. [courtesy photo Uifa’atali Amata]

"Each of you has a bright future, and will be honored for a lifetime when you are veterans. You serve the cause of freedom, and as part of our Armed Forces, you help keep a more peaceful world. We know that every Service Member, and their families, makes sacrifices. Thank you, and may the Lord bless and watch over you.”

Honoring our Toa o Samoa for Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month, we salute the troops serving at Fort Gordon, Georgia and all our Toa o Samoa active duty and retired. [courtesy photo Uifa’atali Amata]

Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday of May, is for the nation to thank all those currently serving. Armed Forces Day has been a tradition since its creation under President Harry Truman and it closes out Armed Forces Week.

Honoring our Toa o Samoa for Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month, we salute the troops serving at Fort Eustis, Virginia and all our Toa o Samoa active duty and retired. [courtesy photo Uifa’atali Amata]