Presidents Day — a local and federal holiday in American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa joins the rest of the nation in observing Monday, Feb. 21 as President’s Day, and all ASG and federal offices are closed today.

“President’s Day is a time to commemorate all who had the distinguished privilege to lead our great nation,” Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga said in a Feb. 16 memorandum declaring Monday, a holiday with ASG offices closed and employees required to work that day will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“I encourage you all to take time this weekend to celebrate and honor the great American Presidents who help shape our democracy,” he said. “Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of Presidents Day and Washington’s Birthday:

 “The third Monday of February is widely known as Presidents Day, while the official federal holiday is George Washington’s Birthday. The first President of the United States, who was essential to the existence of the country, set many of the standards that presidents follow while in office.

 These traditions include inauguration messages and the important precedent, now a requirement, to leave office after two terms. Another of the most important to ever hold the office, President Abraham Lincoln, also has a mid-February birthday.

 “American Samoa’s most memorable connections to the U.S. presidency are President Lyndon Johnson, who remains the only President to set foot in American Samoa while in office, and President Dwight Eisenhower, who first appointed a Samoan Governor, setting in motion the move to a locally elected Governor in American Samoa.

 “President Biden, then serving as Vice President, stopped at Pago Pago and was honored by American Samoa Government at the time. More recently, Vice President Pence and Air Force Two were in American Samoa, and he reviewed our Army Reserve unit.

 “The Continental Congress created the United States Presidency as a powerful leader within careful constitutional guidelines, known as checks and balances, including Congress and the Courts. The President serves as Commander in Chief over the entire military, and American Samoa has many who serve. The United States is a symbol of liberty throughout the world, and the President is often described as ‘leader of the free world.’ We should pray for our leaders, as described in I Timothy 2 that we might experience the blessings of peace.

 “Soifua and happy Presidents Day to all.”

In addition to ASG taking Monday off — the two local banks are also closed as well as several businesses. No word at press time on whether StarKist Samoa, the territory’s largest employer, is working today or not.

In observance of the holiday, Samoa News did not publish a print edition today and our office is closed. Print will be back with you on Tuesday and breaking news and update are available here on the website and on our Facebook page.