Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Acting Governor Talauega E. V. Ale in a statement says the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, will be observed as a holiday in American Samoa.

“All government offices will be closed and normal activities will be suspended on that day.

“Employees of the American Samoa Government who are not required to perform essential services shall be excused from their duties.

“Employees required to perform duty on that day will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to honor and commemorate the legacy of Dr. King who made unparalleled contributions to racial justice.

“I encourage you all to take time to reflect on his life and values and may it inspire us all to volunteer to help improve our community.”

Samoa News will observe MLK Day, and our office will not be open on Monday, nor will we be publishing an edition.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lived a life that is still making a difference today. His letters and speeches are studied and quoted decades later, and as powerful now as the day they were first used. His words and public example still inspire us to continue the work of equality and opportunity with love of country. He changed hearts and minds through persuasion, always peaceful but passionate, leaving our nation stronger and more unified.”

Included on his monument in the nation’s capital is this quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1964: "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."