Am Samoa will join the nation in celebrating America250

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa has joined a multi-year preparation to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America, which will be held on July 4, 2026.

Executive Order 002-2024 established an American Samoa Semi -sequincentennial Commission (America250), which will plan and orchestrate activities towards engaging our community in reflecting on our nation’s and territory’s past, honoring contributions of all Americans and designing a territorial wide anniversary celebration in observance of our nation’s history.

According to a press release issued by the Commission, it has adopted the theme, “THE AMERICA, in American Samoa.”

The territory’s America250 commission has announced  “America’s Field Trip”,  a contest, opened to Am Samoa students in grades 3 – 12. “We welcome students to enter this contest by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them – and earning the opportunity to participate in unforgettable field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic and cultural landmarks.”

SUBMITTAL GUIDELINES ARE AS FOLLOWS

Elementary School (3rd Grade to 5th grade): Students may submit artwork, including physical or digital artwork through a high-re photo or a short essay (p to 100 words).

Middle School (6th to 8th Grade): Students may submit artwork or a video (up to two (2) minutes).

High School (9th to 12th Grade): Students may submit an essay (Up to 1,000 words) or a video (up to two (2) minutes)

For more information on this contest, you can go on-line (America250 celebration) or visit your school’s history teachers. 

Deadline for entries is May 1, 2024. Turn your entries into your school and the Department of Education will submit all them to the nation’s commission.

You may also call the American Samoa’s Visitors Bureau (633-9805) for more information.

BACKGROUND

The local Commission consists of 11 ASG agencies and is chaired by Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia. The Commission welcomes participation from interested individuals to join the Commission and be part of this movement, which will honor this historic milestone in our nation and territory.