Expect “an enhanced observance” of 125th Flag Day Celebration next year

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an Executive Order (EO) signed on Saturday, April 27, 2024, Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga established the 125th Flag Day Celebration Commission to provide for “an enhanced observance” and celebration next year of the flag raising on Sogelau Hill in Fagatogo following the signing of the Deed of Cession on April 17, 1900.

“Such a significant anniversary deserves an equally well prepared and presented celebration mindful of our heritage, our history, and the significant contributions to the Armed Forces,” the governor wrote in the preamble.

The EO says the commission will comprise the Governor's Designee — Robert Schaffer, who will serve as Executive Director, along with the Director or Director's designee of:

a) American Samoa Community College (ASCC)

b) American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, &Humanities (ASCACH)

c) American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC)

d) American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE)

e) American Samoa Department of Parks & Recreation (ASDPR)

t) American Samoa Historical Preservation Office (ASHPO)

g) American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB)

h) Feleti Barstow Public Library (FBPL)

i) Jean P Haydon Museum (Museum)

j) Office of Archives and Records Management (Archives)

k) Office of Samoan Affairs (OSA)

Members shall serve for the duration of the Commission's existence.

The following duties and responsibilities were enumerated in the EO:

1. meet within 30 days of the issuance of this Executive order and thereafter as often as necessary to carry out its duties under this order;

2. develop an initial plan and submit it to the Governor within 90 days of this Order.

3. research, plan, coordinate, review, and promote programs, events and activities throughout the territory to celebrate the 125th Flag Day and to foster knowledge and understanding of this formative period of our history and how it has shaped and continues to shape who we are as a people and a territory;

4. collaborate and engage with all necessary and willing stakeholders in the development of proposals and plans, including the United States Federal Government and U.S. Armed Forces, local civic, historical, educational, economic, arts and other government and non- government organizations throughout the Territory to organize and participate in programs, events and activities in observance of the 125th Flag Day;

5. complete its work and submit a final report following conclusion of all its activities and events but no later than June 30, 2025. This report shall be maintained with theTerritorial Office of Archives and Records Management to be available for preparations for future celebrations. Upon submission of that report, the Commission shall be dissolved.

In addition, the Commission may solicit and accept funding, donations, and gifts to support the goals and purposes of the Commission.

The Office of the Governor shall provide administrative and technical support to the Commission.