Family Fun Day draws enthusiastic crowd to Veterans Monument

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Family Fun Day on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, brought together the Veteran community and their families for a day of camaraderie and celebration climaxing with a concert.

Hosted by Galoia Upuese Faamasino and Arianna Princess Auvaa, herself a veteran — it showcased a lineup of popular local performers headlined by Mr. Cowboy and Paul Ieti.

Entertainer Paul Ieti, a US Army veteran, a native of American Samoa from the villages of Aoa and Sailele is popularly known for being a finalist in the 2014 America’s Got Talent national competition. [ASG photo]

Entertaining the crowd with a terrific performance was Mr. Cowboy Sam Chookoon. [ASG photo]

The audience was also treated to performances by the SAFF of the American Samoa Community College and Nato Penei of the Nato Brothers.

The day opened with a prayer service where Reverend Mathew Failauga, a Navy Veteran, delivered a moving invocation emphasizing the profound truth that freedom is not free and recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans in safeguarding the liberties enjoyed today.

Prior to the evening entertainment, Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga led a special tour of the historical bunkers behind the Veterans Monument, offering Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Ponifasio and Samoa’s Return Services Association Vice President Peter Antonius Jensen, a glimpse into the region's wartime history. The bunkers were a part of the historical Tafuna Airfield built by the U. S. Marine and Navy Seabees to support the military and store ammunition during the World War II era.

The Office of the Governor and the American Samoa Veterans Affairs Office in a press release expressed their gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this commemoration, including generous donors and the supportive community of veterans in American Samoa.

“The event was a fitting tribute to those who have served the United States and its territories, we extend heartfelt thanks to veterans for their dedicated service.”