“Sogelau” Monument dedicated in memory of 1900 flag raising

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The “Sogelau” complex, which was officially dedicated last Friday morning in a two-hour ceremony, is a remembrance of the “Sogelau Hill” in Fagatogo, the site of the first United States flag raised on Tutuila on Apr. 17, 1900, ceding the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u to the United States.

Wording on the Archway, welcomes all “Afio Mai” — to “Sogelau” with American Samoa’s motto, “Samoa Muamua Le Atua” — Samoa Let God be First.

The “Sogelau” dedication program, includes a few historical photos, such as the cover-photo of the program for the “Sisiga O le Fu’a Amerika” — Raising of the US Flag on Tutuila, on Apr. 17, 1900 — which was a Tuesday.

Another historical photo in the dedication program is the US flag raising on Sogelau hill — while the flag pole no longer exists — it was located just above the mountain behind the current Samoa News building.

Inside the “Sogelau” compound are three Samoan fales, and a second taller, three-sided monument. The front-side repeats American Samoa’s motto, “Samoa Muamua Le Atua” along with the sentence — “Founded on the Fundamental values and principles of Christianity — Ua Ao Samoa i le Tala Lelei”.

The other side lists the names of all governors, starting with Commander Benjamin F. Tilley on Apr. 17, 1900 when the islands were administered by the U.S Navy (at the time when Tutuila’s population was about 7,000 people); followed by civilian governors appointed by the US Interior Department and all elected governors.

And the third side of the monument pays tribute to “United States Government” and lists traditional leaders who signed the 1900 Deed of Cession, ceding the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u to the US government.

Speaking at the dedication event, which included government and traditional leaders, Lolo said this is not the end of the this important project, and revealed that he has already requested the incoming governor-elect, Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga, and lieutenant governor-elect Talauega Eleasalo Ale by the end of their first-term, see that a similar monument complex is set up at “Malaetele” on the island of Ta’u in Manu’a, where (King) Tuimanu’a Elisara and Manu’a traditional leaders signed the Deed of Cession with the United States, ceding the Manu’a island group to the US in 1904.

Lolo said this is a challenge for the Office of Samoa Affairs to achieve this request within the four years of the first-term of the incoming administration.

The governor also shared a brief history of how this project came about, which began a few years back, when Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga T. Asuega visited him. At that time, Ifopo Sipa Anoa’i was the House member representing Fagatogo and Ifopo was requested to attend the discussions, including where the site should be located.

He said Ifopo suggested at the time, government land on the other side of the main road across from the High Court Building. Later, it was suggested a monument along the hills of Fagatogo. However, when the old Fire Station in Fagatogo was taken down, at the current site, Mauga suggested this location.

According to the governor, planning wasn’t easy because of limited land space. Lolo said there are so many individuals who should be commended for the project and not him alone. Among those commended by the governor was Mauga.

Once the current site was set, Lolo said he reached out to local artist Regina Meredith-Fitiao, to assist with what the complex should look like.

[photo: FS]

The governor said the Sogelau monument complex layout as it is today was presented by Meredith-Fitiao, with only one exception — she suggested four Samoan fales, but the current complex has three. Meredith-Fitiao’s layout was then presented to the Public Work Department’s architect division crew who drew-up the blueprints.

Lolo said the dedication and celebration of “Sogelau” also gives special recognition to the US government that over the last 120 years has taken care of this territory.

He also said that fales in the complex are for the public, and those who visit the site will never forget that this is part of the territory’s history.

Prior to the governor’s remarks, Mauga — representing Maoputasi County in which Fagatogo is located — also addressed the gathering and he recalled how the move for this monument first started. He said it started several years ago following the urging from the late Senate President Lutu Tenari Fuimaono, whose wish was that “Sogelau” is never forgotten by future generations.

There after came the push when Ifopo was a House member and now it has become a reality, according to Mauga.

Public Work’s director Faleosina Voigt provided a summary of the project, which cost approximately $300,000 and was funded by the Governor’s Special Program budget and the Historic Preservation Office.

She identified the contractors involved in the project and their specific roles, including the main contractor, Paramount Builders, which constructed the three Samoan Fales and part of the fence around the complex. DPW’s M&O constructed the Archway and the two monuments as well as other work.