Gov. Togiola Tulafono invites all of American Samoa to the territorial inauguration this Friday — a two part program that includes traditional blessings from cultural leaders, a parade, an ‘ava ceremony, song, dance and band performances and dinner at the Veterans Stadium in Ili’ili.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m. and end at midnight.
Friday’s inaugural program, released yesterday by the Governor’s Office, states that on behalf of Lt. Gov. Faoa A. Sunia, Gov. Togiola “is happy to extend the invitation to all of American Samoa to come together to celebrate.”
The inauguration celebration, its theme “Light Tomorrow With Today” — “belongs to the people of Tutuila, Manu’a, Aunu’u and Swains,” said Togiola.
He added, it “affords us the opportunity to reflect on our past, to renew our commitment to a bright future, and to say thank you for granting us another opportunity to serve the territory, and continue to do great things for our children, families and government.”
“With deep humility and honor, we extend this invitation to the people of American Samoa to join in celebration, thanksgiving and in prayer to bestow on us the knowledge, courage, and good health to lead our government with purpose, compassion and integrity,” Togiola said.
During the first part of the program, the governor will deliver the Inaugural Address to be preceded by a special inauguration song by Herthalina Muaitofiga Aumoeualogo.
Master of ceremonies is Alaalamua L. A. Filoialii.
The stadium opens to the public at 2 p.m. and at 3 p.m. the parade is scheduled to begin forming on the field as honored guests and invitees arrive around 3:30 p.m.
Gov. Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono and Lt. Gov. Faoa and his wife Mrs. Elisapeta Sunia are expected to arrive a little before 4 p.m. The program is set to begin at 4 p.m. with a welcome and introductions.
The Department of Public Safety will raise the flags of the United States and American Samoa. Kanana Fou High School will provide the national anthem of the U.S. — “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the national anthem of American Samoa.
Rev. Oianata’i Matale of the Susana Uesele Methodist Church will give an opening prayer and remarks, followed by a hymn from the KFHS choir.
A traditional speech will be offered and traditional blessings from a number of high talking chiefs will be led by Tuiasosopo Asovalu. Also included in the traditional blessings are: Fiatauiaulava I. Sauni; Tuilefano M. Vaela’a; Tuiagamoa Tavai’ Malemo L. Tausaga and Laie Mata’utia.
Herthalina will then perform her special inauguration song, a prelude to Togiola’s inaugural address.
The address will be followed by a special musical number by the Leone High School Swing choir. The gathering will then close the first part of the program with the singing of the national hymn — “Lo Ta Nu’u Na Ou Fanau Ai,” led by KFHS. A closing prayer will be given by Rev. Matale.
Following the ceremonial activities, a parade pass in review opens the second part of the program, followed by the ‘ava faatupu ceremony presented by the Office of Samoan Affairs.
Dinner is set to be served at 6 p.m. at the stadium, followed by the inauguration fiafia and entertainment that includes performances from the Malaeloa Methodist Youth, the Catholic Church at Fatuoaiga and Pearl of the Pacific Productions.
High School song groups included in the program are: Tafuna, Leone, Samoana and Fagaitua. Bands included in the program are the Siliva Band and the Tama Samoa Moni Band.
Lt. Gov. Faoa will provide the closing remarks and the festivities are scheduled to end with a taualuga at midnight.
