44th Annual Holiday Music Festival closes

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 44th Annual Holiday Music Festival hosted by the Council on Arts, Culture, and Humanities came to a close Wednesday evening.

Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga reflected on the music festival’s impact on the Territory.  “As we come to a close to this year’s Arts Council Christmas Music Festival, I want to thank all the groups that participated. 

“I want to thank all the pastors and youth leaders that spent endless hours practicing and preparing.  As I headed past Utulei after last night’s (Tuesday) performances, I witnessed a singing group still practicing at the Su’igaula Beach Pavilion, and it was after 9 pm.  A testament to the presence of the holiday spirit and how every group is putting forth 100% in their preparations.

 “Every year, my wife Ella and I always look forward to enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas.  The lights, decorations, treats, music, fellowship, family are great to see, but we must remember what Christmas time is about, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 “I believe our children and generations to come, will continue to celebrate one of the most anticipated holidays with music festivals such as this, and they too will enjoy all of their favorite holiday and Christmas songs.  And so, I ask that all parents spend time this holiday season enjoying their children.  Be good parents.  Please pay attention to what they are going through and what they need.  There are many ways that children will expect to celebrate this holiday season. As parents, you need to make sure they are staying away from drugs and alcohol.”

Governor Lemanu would also like to ask the Territory to remember the “TOA O SAMOA,” who are stationed all across the globe and serving in harm’s way during this holiday season.  He asks to lift them up in prayer as they continue to carry out their endless sacrifices to defend our freedom, liberty, and justice for all.