American Samoa joins nation in wreath-laying ceremonies

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Office of Veterans Affairs stood in unity with the entire nation last week Thursday, laying wreaths to remember the fallen, prisoners of war, and missing in action, while honoring those who served and continue to serve our great nation's armed forces.

Three solemn ceremonies unfolded at different sites, beginning at the Satala Cemetery. Retd. SGT Auva’a, Arrianna of the US Army, led the ceremonies with the National Wreath Across America script. ASG Chaplain and USMC Veteran Mageo P. Mageo delivered the invocation, and Retd. SFC Tele’a Faleali’i, Retd. SSG Mataese Mataese Jr., and Retd. SGT Faitoaga Olo laid wreaths on the graves, saying their names aloud. The poignant salute and playing of taps followed, performed by Retd. SFC Asosi Ah-Ping.

At the Tram-way Memorial in Utulei and the Veterans Memorial monument in Tafuna, wreaths were presented with Rev. Mageo P. Mageo joining in, laying wreaths and playing taps.

“We joined our mother nation, demonstrating a united front of gratitude and respect as we remembered, honored, and taught our children the value of freedom,” a press release from the Governor’s Office said.

“Together as a nation, we can overcome and defeat terrorism, hatred, and injustice. Thank you, veterans, for your selfless service and sacrifice.”