It was early morning when a police officer working in the Traffic Unit was seen in a video that has now gone viral, demonstrating the concept of respect through his simple action. The officer was on duty when the students of Manumalo Baptist School began singing the National Anthem during the school assembly.
Unexpectedly, the young man had to stop the cars, even when there was obviously a traffic jam as many were traveling to work and dropping off their children at schools. He then immediately stood still, facing the school where the singing was coming from, and saluted while teachers, parents, and students were watching.
Come to think of it, his reaction to the children’s singing not only shows how we Samoans should respect and take pride in our National Anthem no matter the circumstances, but he was literally putting a smile on the young ones’ faces knowing a part of their school routine was highly considered by a Police Officer, who in reality most children are afraid of.
The video was captured by a staff member and was posted on social media with a caption that also depicts great acknowledgment and appreciation from the school. “The Policeman deserves a medal, despite the rain and busy road, he respected the Samoan Anthem… a true character of a Samoan Public Servant and a hero,” Caroline N Auvaa.
Sometimes, what we do goes to give joy to the hearts of many, and it hits different when it is the children who witness those meaningful actions. Samoa News hub understands that the officer is Peter Chanel Latulipe, and when he was asked for his comments, here is what he had to say.
“First of all, I am humbled and thankful to a lot of Samoans who have flooded social media with kind words about my humble service. I’m just an example of so many officers who have served the country.
“Not only was it my duty as a Police Officer to treat these events with great respect, but I felt it in my heart as a Samoan that flag raising and a national anthem are part of our lives. Every time a Samoan flag is raised, I am reminded of the struggles our forefathers went through to gain freedom and independence.”
The 25-year-old is from Lalovaea, Moamoa, and Taufusi.