Samoa has celebrated the 64th anniversary of its Independence in Apia, with the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaleto’a Sualauvi II, calling on the nation to remember the sacrifices of its forebears and move forward under the theme, “Samoa United for a New Beginning.”
The official celebration at Malaefatu and Ti’afau followed Sunday evening’s thanksgiving service at the EFKS Youth Hall in Sogi, led by Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui of the Catholic Church.
During the service, Archbishop Mosese spoke directly about truth, respect and the tone of public life. He said one of the things damaging the country is lying, saying in Samoan, “O le mea ua leaga ai le atunuu, o le pepelo.”
He also urged people to stop pointing fingers, saying, “Soia le kusikusi lima,” and warned that respect was being swept away while hate and destructive behaviour were spreading through social media.
“Ua tafea le tauofe o le faaaloalo, le respect, ua tolotolo mai le tiapolo e faaleaga ai i tatou i luga o le social media.” And there is too much hate there, he said.
Archbishop Mosese also called on Samoa to move forward with joy, saying, “Tatou ta i luma i le fiafia.”
The thanksgiving service opened the Independence programme in a spirit of reflection before the official flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning.
The Monday programme began early, with schools, government ministries, organisations and private businesses assembling from 4.00am for the march parade. Invited guests arrived from 4.50am before the arrival of the Prime Minister, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, members of the Council of Deputies, regional leaders and invited dignitaries.
The Head of State arrived at 6.00am, followed by the National Anthem, the raising of the Independence flag, and the inspection of the Guard of Honour.
Among the official guests listed in the Independence programme were the Governor-General of Australia, H.E. the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Lord Fakafanua, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt. Hon. Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, the Ulu o Tokelau, Hon. Petelo Alapati Pita Tavite, and representatives from American Samoa.
The formal programme included the welcome and announcement of the Independence Proclamation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo, followed by the invocation by Rev. Elder Enefatu Lesa of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa.
The Head of State then delivered the Independence Day address, placing unity, faith, respect and responsibility at the centre of his message.
He said Samoa’s Independence is a time to remember the traditional leaders, elders and pioneers whose vision, courage and sacrifice secured Samoa’s right to govern its own affairs. He said the foundation they established through faith and determination remains central to the country today.
The Head of State said Samoa’s 64-year journey had included prosperity, national trials, natural disasters, economic challenges and global uncertainty, but the spirit of the people had remained strong through faith in God, devotion to family, respect for cultural heritage and the bond shared by Samoans.
He said this year’s theme, “Samoa United for a New Beginning,” does not mean Samoa should forget its origins.
A new beginning, he said, requires Samoa to carry forward the wisdom of its ancestors while facing the responsibilities of the future.
He called on the country to renew its commitment to mutual respect, service, compassion, integrity and the Christian faith that forms part of Samoa’s national identity.
The Head of State said unity remains the safeguard of national stability, beginning in families, villages, churches and communities. He said unity allows Samoa to stand firm in difficult times and rejoice together in times of success.
His address also pointed to the changes facing Samoa, including digital technology, climate change and pressure from the global economy. He said meeting those changes cannot be left to government alone, but requires the work of leaders, elders, youth, workers, communities and Samoans living overseas.
Young people were placed at the centre of the message. The Head of State described them as the future custodians of Samoa’s heritage and said Samoa must invest in their education, support their talents, strengthen their moral values and provide stable foundations for them to flourish.
He also called for a Samoa that is prosperous, fair and sustainable, where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, the environment is protected for future generations, and justice, peace and good governance are upheld.
The Head of State drew from Psalm 133:1 in reminding the nation of the value of unity: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”
He thanked church leaders and clergy for their prayers and spiritual leadership, and acknowledged the Prime Minister, Government, Speaker and Members of Parliament, the Judiciary, government ministries, corporations, the private sector, business community, development partners and Samoans overseas for their service and support.
The Independence programme continued with the march parade led by the Samoa Police Band, the official opening of three new offices of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, cultural performances, the long boat regatta and evening entertainment.
The wider Independence programme also includes the official opening of the Samoa Heritage House at Vaimoso, a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesites of leaders who contributed to Samoa’s Independence, and the presentation of national honours and awards at Ti’afau Grounds.
The Head of State ended his address with a prayer for God’s blessings on Samoa and its people, asking that the 64th anniversary of Independence be observed in peace, harmony and prosperity.
