Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A handful of government leaders, led by Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga, were present last Friday morning at the Fagatogo Pavilion for the 2020 Flag Day ceremony, marking 120 years since American Samoa became a US territory. Unlike other Flag Days, there was no fanfare or jubilant celebration, as the threat of the deadly coronavirus forced necessary preventive measures — including a ban on large public gatherings.

This year’s Flag Day ceremony is “dramatically different in the way that it is being celebrated, compared to the colorful history of this life changing event in which we annually praise the wisdom of our forefathers and reaffirm our sense of patriotism and gratefulness to the United States... for continuing to honor its pledges to protect the lives of the people of American Samoa along with their culture and way of life,” the governor said in his prepared English version of the Flag Day address.

He said the 120th Flag Day “will be uniquely recorded in our history because those participating in the Flag Raising ceremony” are only territorial leaders, but “it will not lessen the dignity and majesty of this event with regard to the essence of its meaning and its significance to each resident of... American Samoa,” he said.

Despite the threat of death posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the thousands of lives lost around the world, “we see the resilience of the human spirit emerging amidst great adversity by their resolute to continue the fight to eradicate this dreadful disease,” the governor pointed out.

“I see this same spirit prevalent among our people in spite of harsh changes which have been imposed on your lives and the great discomforts that we are all experiencing together because of our collective commitment and resolve not to lose one precious life to the coronavirus,” he said.

“Because of your efforts, American Samoa continues to be blessed by still not recording one confirmed Coronavirus Case. God be praised,” he said.

“I am very concerned about what we are doing on the development of our young people because we can resurrect our economy but we cannot afford to lose a generation of leaders, thus we thank our private and public educational leadership for continuing to ensure that our children continue their education during these very difficult times,” said Lolo referring to remote learning via the internet and other methods used by schools to continue local education for students, as all public and private schools remain closed.  

The governor delivered his address in Samoan, saying that the virus continues to claim lives, while new cases are confirmed worldwide, including in the United States, which currently leads the world in confirmed cases.

With no cure or vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Lolo said leaders around the world have implemented necessary preventive measures — including social distancing, which is very important for all.

Social distancing protocol, says the governor is also a good lesson learned at this time when it comes to funerals and ceremonies to bestow a chiefly title. He says it’s usually the belief that such an event is successful when there is a large crowd of people in attendance.

He says these cultural events that take more than a week don’t result in praise for God — it just attracts praise for matai and families and is used by those in charge to enrich themselves.

Lolo recalled a funeral last Wednesday for an elderly lady from Faleasao where only a few people were in attendance and the funeral was simple, half-a-day and was very meaningful.

According to the governor, these changes were brought about by the virus and suggested that it should be followed going forward.

Lolo expressed much appreciation to the community, including church leaders, village leaders and others for supporting the government’s measures implemented already to protect American Samoa from this virus.

He acknowledged the support of the private sector, which the governor says has faced challenges during these difficult times with the loss of revenue due to restrictions implemented under the COVID-19 state of emergency.

According to the governor, social distancing is one of the two important issues that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The other one is “stay home and save lives”, which is also important for families to stay together and spend quality time with each other.

He believes this has been lacking in the past with everyone working and no time to spend with family.

Lolo points to himself, as an example, saying much of his time is spent on government work. But he learned a lot during the time he was home-quarantined for two-weeks after he returned from Honolulu early last month.

During home-quarantine, Lolo said he spent time with family and his children. Perhaps, he says, this virus reminds us of all the many other important things in life — family, to spend time with loved ones, especially the elders.

Besides the governor, who along with First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga wore protective face masks, other territorial leaders who attended the ceremony were Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga T. Asuega.

Also in attendance was US Interior Department field representative Lydia Faleafine-Nomura, who read the English version of the governor’s 2020 Flag Day Proclamation while the Samoan version was read by Tapa’au Dr. Dan Aga, who heads the ASG Office of Political Status, Constitutional Review and Federal Relations.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse was under the weather and unable to attend while Congresswoman Aumua Amata, was in Washington D.C. unable to return home for the celebration due to issues with incoming flights.

Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga is in Honolulu attending to family matters and he is among the local residents stranded in Honolulu unable to return home due to borders being closed.

As this is the last Flag Day for the current Administration, Lolo said he and Lemanu decided on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Samoa Muamua Le Atua”, reminding everyone of the many blessings American Samoa has received from God.

In closing, he wished the people of American Samoa, as well as Samoans serving around the world in the US military, a happy Flag Day 2020.

Police officers pose for a photo last Friday before daylight in front of the beautifully decorated Fagatogo Pavilion — the venue of the 2020 Flag Day ceremony. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]