Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa joins the rest of the nation in observing Monday, Feb. 20 as Presidents Day, and all ASG and federal offices are closed.

“Presidents Day is a time to commemorate all who had the distinguished privilege to lead our great nation,” Acting Governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale said in a Feb. 13 memorandum declaring Monday, a holiday with ASG offices closed and employees required to work that day will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“I encourage you all to take time this weekend to celebrate and honor the great American Presidents who help shape our democracy,” he said. “Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement honoring Presidents Day:

“This Presidents Day, which is also the official federal celebration of George Washington’s Birthday, we think of the tradition and heritage throughout the administrations of 46 U.S. Presidents. From George Washington, the first President of the United States, to modern times, honoring the office of the Presidency has always been a way to revere the country, and its special freedoms.

“The President has great responsibility as the highest official in a growing nation of currently over 330 million people, as well as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, where many of our own from American Samoa serve. Under the Constitution, this office was given great authority but also carefully limited to be always temporary leadership that answers to the people, and most of all, to a solemn oath to be faithful to the Constitution. We have much to be thankful for in this history, and pray for President Biden and good decisions throughout the U.S. government.

(I Timothy 2:1-3) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.

Soifua, and happy Presidents Day!”

In addition to ASG taking Monday off, several businesses will be closed including the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, as well as the U.S Post Office.

No word at press time on whether StarKist Samoa, the territory’s largest employer, is working today or not.

In observance of the holiday, Samoa News did not publish today and our office are closed. Our office will open on Tuesday.

WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION LEADS NEW GLOBAL TRADITION

(Associated Press) — The White House Historical Association is partnering with U.S. embassies, consulates, and cultural organizations around the world for the second annual Presidents’ Day Wreath Laying. Wreaths will be placed at presidential statues and monuments in the United States and abroad, honoring the history of American presidents globally and underscoring the meaningful leadership that each memorial represents.

Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, traveled to England and Scotland to participate in six wreath placement ceremonies, including at Trafalgar Square in London to honor George Washington and at Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh where the only Civil War memorial of Abraham Lincoln outside of North America is located.

“The significance of the wreath placements extends beyond Presidents’ Day,” said McLaurin. “It’s a testament to the deep personal and cultural ties U.S. presidents and their time in the White House have to nations overseas.”

The tradition began in 2022 when the Association worked with the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland to place a wreath at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. The wreath placement tradition has now expanded to thirteen countries including Bulgaria, Canada, Greece, Mexico, and others.

The Presidents’ Day wreath placements are a constant reminder of the strong connections American presidents will continue to foster with counterparts across the globe.

ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

The White House Historical Association was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to support her vision to restore and preserve the Executive Mansion and its legacy for generations to come. Mrs. Kennedy sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has contributed more than $100 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.