It was an early start for the 126th flag raising ceremony at the Fagatogo Malae. Some guests were seated around 5:30 a.m., and it was still dark when Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula arrived and inspected the honor guard by the Department of Public Safety.
The sun was just peeping from the morning sky, when Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs Vaiutusala Dr. Mataese Samuelu gave welcoming remarks and the beautifully blended voices of the Amerika Samoa Choir filled the air with an opening hymn.
Rev. Richard Faafetai Faavae of the Pago Pago Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa delivered the invocation.
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In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Children are the Future of Samoa,” the Flag Day proclamation was read by high school students. The Samoan version was read by Rose Fiame of Tafuna High School, while the English version was delivered by Tumua Faitau of Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School.
Police officers hoisted the flags while the U.S. Marine Band from Kaneohe played the U.S. national anthem, and the anthem of American Samoa was sung by the Amerika Samoa Choir. The two flags were simultaneously raised at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The flag raising concluded the ceremony at the Fagatogo malae. The rest of the program took place at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Speaking to the theme of the 2026 Flag Day, Governor Pulaalii in the Samoan part of his address took note that many of the crew members of fautasi were young people. And the majority of performers in the Arts Council Flag Day program were youth.
After acknowledging the local and off island dignitaries joining the celebration, the Governor expressed the Pula and Pulu’s administration hopes for the children.
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Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Katherine MacGregor said it was an honor to celebrate with American Samoa and thanked the Governor for the invitation.
She said 2026 was significant because it marks America’s 250th anniversary and American Samoa stands proudly in the American story.
She announced that the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (DOI) is awarding a grant of $30,000 to support educational activities for America 250, to help deepen public understanding of the nation’s democratic principals and highlight the unique role the territory plays in America’s story. DOI also supporting infrastructure projects, with the Bureau of Reclamation investing over $2 million to safeguard public health and provide reliable access to clean water across American Samoa.
In addition, DOI is helping maintain fiscal stability and promote economic development for American Samoa.
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The Flag Day parade was led by Commissioner Taaga Saite Moliga and the Department of Public Safety and the Kaneohe Marine Band. Tafuna High School had three beautifully decorated floats. Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School displayed their trades and had students exhibiting important events in the 250 year history of America including the Cession of American Samoa to the United States.
Teachers from Nu’uuli Vocational Tech expressed disappointment that they were told to keep walking and the students did not get the opportunity to fully showcase what they prepared, and to present gifts for the guests.
The Army Reserve, Veterans of Foreign Wars, cricket teams, the Manulele Tausala crews, Nana’s Incorporated, Silva Group, StarKist Samoa, the Tamalii Dance Group from Arizona, and the Malofie Association were among the many groups that marched. The Malofie Association led by master tattooist Su’a Suluape Alaiva’a presented fine mats for some of the leaders.
The high schools that performed the entertainment all prepared well for their performances. Fagaitua opened with their pese, in which they asked for a fence and a sports field. Manu’a High School followed with an array of siva and also a tribute to the late Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and the late Faauifono Vaitautolu who both taught at the high school. Samoana High School was thankful for the honor to perform and acknowledged the sons and daughters of American Samoa in the U.S. Armed Forces. Leone High School wrapped up the entertainment with a well choreographed and spectacular repertoire of siva. The taualuga for the day was by the Department of Education. Checks of $2,500 were given to each of the schools.
Sua and monetary gifts were presented to church ministers, government leaders, and some of the off-island guests. The Master of Ceremony announced that prizes for the various Flag Day competitions including the fautasi races would be presented at the Office of Samoan Affairs on Monday.
Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. gave the closing remarks, thanking off-island and local guests. He gave special mention of veterans.
It was just after 12 p.m. when Rev. Faavae delivered the benediction and police lowered the flags bringing the 2026 Flag Day Program to a close.
Photos: American Samoa Visitors Bureau
