American Samoa celebrates its journey with the US, marking America 250

Have a happy and safe Independence Day American Samoa! By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This year's Independence Day carries special significance as our nation commemorates America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone marks 250 years of freedom, democracy, resilience, and the enduring principles on which the United States was founded. In honor of the 250 years, Friday July 3rd will be observed as a holiday in the U.S. as well as American Samoa. All government offices will be closed and normal activities will be suspended for the day. AMERICAN SAMOA CELEBRATION The territory will honor USA's 250th year with a massive drone and pyrotechnic show — the last official America 250 celebration in the U.S. on July 4th. Verge Aero along with ASTCA and Reid Group are pleased to announce that the drone and pyrotechnic show taking place on Saturday, July 4th in Tafuna will be the final official America 250 celebration across all U.S. states and territories on Independence Day 2026, due to the island’s unique time zone. America’s 250th anniversary in a way that’s never been done before here — a full week of community events culminating in an unforgettable evening of music, drones, fireworks, and celebration. It’s a moment that our island, and our people, will remember for years to come.” This will be the largest drone-and-fireworks display in American Samoa's history. A fleet of 300 drones — including pyro-drones carrying live pyrotechnics — will perform custom animations honoring both America and American Samoa, with island-inspired and America 250-themed visuals created specifically for this event. The drone formations are choreographed seamlessly with the ground-launched fireworks, combining two layers of aerial art into a single unified experience. The celebration will take place at Lions Park in Tafuna, with the concert hosted on the adjacent Samoa Motors grounds. The best display viewing areas will be throughout Lions Park and the surrounding open areas. “We’re expecting one of the largest Independence Day crowds American Samoa has seen in years, with several thousand residents and visitors joining us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening,” Thomas said. The island’s celebration kicked off with a week-long festival featuring the return of the Fautasi races, sporting events, cultural ceremonies, museum exhibitions, a classic car show, and family activities leading into Independence Day. On July 4, the celebration culminates at Lions Park, with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. A pre-show featuring local performers begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by performances from international headliners Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ NOIZ, and the NATO Brothers. Guests can also enjoy food vendors, cultural entertainment, and activities for the whole family throughout the afternoon and evening. The celebration concludes with a spectacular synchronized drone and fireworks display, illuminating the skies over American Samoa between 8:30pm and 9:00 p.m. “While we’ve enjoyed fireworks before, combining cutting-edge drone technology with pyrotechnics creates an entirely new experience for our community,” said Niko Wendt, CEO of Reid Group. “Most importantly, this brings families, cultures, veterans, and our entire community together to celebrate 250 years of American history.” ASTCA is proud to present this event alongside the Reid Family Group, whose family of companies — including Vaimalu, Coca-Cola, Active Pro, Samoa Motors, Pago Motors, and P.E. Reid & Stevedoring — have played an instrumental role in making this celebration possible. ASTCA also extends sincere appreciation to Gov Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula, Lt. Gov. Pulu Ae Ae Jr., all support agencies under the American Samoa Government, NOAA Weather station, first responders, public safety agencies, volunteers, production crews, performers, and the many organizations working tirelessly behind the scenes. Finally, ASTCA thanks the people of American Samoa. “This celebration belongs to our community. We invite everyone to come together, celebrate safely, and be part of a historic milestone that only happens once in a lifetime,” Thomas said. The drone and firework performance is produced by Verge Aero along with partner HI Pyro — Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc. “Historic” is how ASTCA’s CEO, Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, describes American Samoa’s 250th event. “This is truly a once-in-a-generation celebration. CONGRESSWOMAN UIFA’ATALI AMATA “This historic milestone is first and foremost a celebration of America’s immense legacy of freedom,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata. “For 250 years, the United States has stood for liberty, opportunity, self-government, and the God-given rights that have blessed generations of Americans.” Since 1776, the United States has been built on the ideals of liberty, faith, service, and opportunity. These principles have inspired generations, strengthened families and communities, and called men and women to defend the freedoms we cherish. For American Samoa, this national celebration is also a meaningful time to give thanks for our place in the American family. Our relationship with the United States is rooted in history, mutual respect, and the decisions of our chiefs, who looked to the future and helped establish a lasting bond between our islands and this Nation. “American Samoa joins the Nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday with gratitude,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We remember the wisdom of our chiefs, the blessings of our relationship with the United States, and the many ways our people have contributed to the American story.” From the first leaders who helped shape that relationship to the many sons and daughters of American Samoa who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, our people have contributed to the American story with honor and sacrifice. American Samoa has one of the highest rates of military service in the Nation, and nearly every village has families who know the cost of service. Our veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and military families remind us that freedom is not only celebrated; it is defended. “Our Toa o Samoa and veterans hold a special place in this celebration,” said Congresswoman Amata. “They have served under the American flag with courage and patriotism, and their service reminds us that freedom is a blessing that must be honored, protected, and passed on.” As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we also recognize the blessings that have come through our connection to the United States. Our islands have benefited from the freedoms, protections, opportunities, and shared responsibilities that come with being part of this great Nation. For generations, American Samoa has carried a deep love of family, faith, service, and country, values that are also at the heart of the American spirit. This milestone gives us a chance to teach our children and grandchildren about both the founding of the United States and American Samoa’s special place within that story. It is a time to remember the Declaration of Independence, honor those who built and defended the Nation, and reflect on the blessings of liberty that continue to reach from the mainland to the Pacific. “As Americans look toward 2026, I hope this anniversary renews our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we share,” said Congresswoman Amata. “From the mainland to the Pacific, we are part of one American story, and American Samoa is blessed to celebrate this milestone with the Nation.” In 2026, American Samoa joins Americans everywhere in saying Happy Birthday U.S.A. We celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with gratitude for America’s enduring legacy of freedom, with respect for those who have protected it, and with thankfulness that our islands are part of the American story. May God bless the United States of America, and may God bless American Samoa. GOVERNOR PULAALI I NIKOLAO PULA Governor Pulaal’i i Nikolao Pula said in a release issued yesterday, “May this historic anniversary inspire us to strengthen our communities and preserve the ideals that have united generations of Americans. Thank you for your continued dedication and service to the people of American Samoa. On behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, I wish you and your families a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable Independence Day holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day and Happy America 250!” TASK FORCE 250 The White House backed Salute to America 250 Task Force (“Task Force 250”) is executing a full year of festivities, which began on Memorial Day, 2025, and will continue through the end of 2026. The White House is engaging all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across the country to celebrate this historic milestone. To achieve this ambitious vision, Task Force 250 has created a new public-private partnership called Freedom 250. It aims to inspire a renewed love for American history, encourage citizens to experience the beauty of our country, ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation to help our nation succeed for the next 250 years, and invite Americans to pray for our country and our people and rededicate ourselves as One Nation Under God. Samoa News will not publish tomorrow, observing a holiday so that employees and management can celebrate this historic milestone. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday American Samoa. Section: Local News Tags: America 250
2026-07-02 16:18:29