American Samoa observes Memorial Day on Monday

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day — formerly known as Decoration Day — commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service. Extended to a three-day weekend, Monday, May 25, 2026 is a federal and local holiday for most of the nation’s workers. It is also the official start of the summer. National observance of Memorial Day is usually marked by the U.S. President placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day in American Samoa marks the day our community remembers all our loved ones who have passed on, and the Memorial Day weekend activities include cleaning, painting and decorating gravesites island-wide. By Monday morning, flowers — fresh and plastic — along with other decorations will adorn the island’s graves. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following message in recognition of Memorial Day. In a 2015 photo, Aumua Amata carries a wreath to lay at the Vietnam War Memorial in memory of SSGT Faleagafulu Ilaoa. [file photo] “This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave all for our nation and our freedom. We can count many blessings in our lives today – blessings that exist for us because of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Many of these heroes are enshrined in our 250-year history, but others are in our living memory, and these Gold Star families deserve our love, support and prayers. “As we enjoy our freedoms this weekend, and many of us gather together with friends and family, we take time to remember the purpose of this important day. Only Memorial Day is specifically devoted to these patriots. “American Samoa has built an honored tradition of military service, and many of our people belong to military families. Our thoughts and gratitude go out to each of our service members, veterans, and military families. Memorial Day is a meaningful time to everyone, and we recognize the special depth of feelings of this day for those with military ties. May God keep our Toa o Samoa, and bless American Samoa and the United States.” A common sight throughout the territory on Monday will be U.S. and American Samoa flags flying over many of the gravesites paying tribute to our fallen soldiers. With Monday a holiday, all government offices will be closed and normal activities are suspended. Employees not required to perform essential service shall be excused from their duties, according to the governor. Those required to work, will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. A majority of businesses, including banks and the US Post Office, will be closed Monday — along with other local federal offices. In honor of Memorial Day, Samoa News will not have a Monday edition. Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day. Section: Local News Tags: Memorial Day
2026-05-22 16:38:13