17 Jul 2018

Manu'a Cession Day observed in American Samoa

6:25 am on 17 July 2018

Today is a local government holiday in American Samoa in observance of Manu'a Cession Day.

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Lolo Matalasi Moliga Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller

July 16 marks 114 years since the territory's Manu'a island group was ceded to the United States and became part of American Samoa.

American Samoa's governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga said in his Manu'a Cession Day proclamation, that this year's theme is "Youth for the Future" - and that that the "most important building block for that future is the investment we make in our children today".

"We invest not only in their education, but also in providing a nurturing home and a supportive community environment that encourages their growth and development into motivated and successful young people," he said.

The governor is leading a government delegation departing this morning from the main island of Tutuila for the one-day event on Ta'u Island, in Manu'a.

According to the governor, this year's celebration is simple with only the flag raising ceremony as the government is currently faced with other pressing matters.