Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Issuing only his second Executive Order, since being elected, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has established May 13th as “Swains Island Day” — an official holiday in American Samoa.

The EO preamble reads:

WHEREAS, “[t]he sovereignty of the United States over American Samoa [was] extended over Swains Island," and Swains Island was made a part of American Samoa through a joint resolution of the United States Congress on March 4, 1925. 48 USC 1662; and

WHEREAS, on May 13, 1925, Lieutenant Commander C. D. Edgar of the United States Navy traveled ot Swains Island ot raise the flag of the United States of America with a salute of 21 guns; and

WHEREAS, Swains Island is one of the seven islands that make up the Territory of American Samoa; and

WHEREAS, descendants of Eli Hutchinson Jennings, Sr. and his wife Malia, the daughter of a Samoan chief, along with anyone born on Swains Island after March 4, 1925 are considered residents of Swains Island and United States Nationals.

WHEREAS, American Samoa is unified in our love for our brothers and sisters from Swains Island and the natural beauty and life of al the islands of our Territory.

The EO is signed by the governor on May 2, 2025, and notes “Henceforth, 13 May will be a public holiday ni American Samoa. This order shall take effect immediately.”

On the day the EO was signed, Governor Pula also issued a general memorandum declaring the day a “holiday in American Samoa this year, and for all years in the future.”

As such, “all government offices will be closed and normal government activities will be suspended on that day.”

The governor states that “this is a special anniversary marking the inclusion of Swains Island as a part of the United States of America and the Territory of American Samoa.

“Please take time to honor our ancestors who helped create our Territory and recognize the importance of the islands we call home.”

In recognition of their 100th year Anniversary, and the first official vote in the American Samoa Fono on March 21, 2025 for the Swains faipule after 65 years, the Swains Island people are planning to celebrate their Flag Day with commemorative events — speeches, songs, and dances, as well as sharing their stories. The Swains Day committee, led by Faipule Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings, has been asking for help from the Swains community.

During the Lemanu Administration, the Swains Island Flag Day celebration/ event was held on Swains Island. It’s unknown where the events will be held this year.