American Samoa Flag raised at National Museum of American History

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming the addition of the flag of American Samoa to the ring of flags surrounding the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, along the National Mall in the nation’s capital.

On Flag Day in the United States (June 14), Attorney General Fainu'ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu represented American Samoa and Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga at the event, which included a ceremony inside the Museum, then a flag raising outside with the Smithsonian Institution Honor Guard.

The Museum already permanently displays the 50 state flags and Puerto Rico, and with this ceremony, added the flags of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali had signed a letter, together with the other Representatives from the territories regarding inclusion, and the Museum’s reply indicated they had plans to update the flags and include the territories.

“I’m delighted that American Samoa is now represented among the flags at this Museum, which is visited by millions every year,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. “Thank you especially to Attorney General Fainu’ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu for speaking at the event and representing our Territory and Governor.

On Flag Day in the United States (June 14), Attorney General Fainu'ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu represented American Samoa and Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga at the U.S. Flag Day ceremony inside the Museum of American History. [courtesy photo]

BACKGROUND

The American Samoa flag was officially adopted on April 17, 1960.

It was designed by a Samoana High School student, 19-year-old Uinifareti (Fareti) Rapi Sotoa, and was the winning submission of a flag design contest held by the school for its students in 1959.

The flag of American Samoa comprises a red-edged white triangle pointing towards the flag pole (hoist) charged with a bald eagle clutching a war club and fly-whisk, with dark blue upper and lower triangles.

The bald eagle and the blue, white and red colors are noted to symbolize American Samoa’s ties to the United States. The eagle holds a staff and a war club, two traditional symbols of the matai.