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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Thursday, November 8, 2007)
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A Proclamation by the Governor of American Samoa:
Veterans Day 2007
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today issued the 2007 Veterans Day proclamation to pay special tribute to America and American Samoa’s troops, past and present, in honor of the brave men and women who have fought for our country.
A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF AMERICAN SAMOA
VETERANS DAY 2007
WHEREAS, two hundred and thirty-one years ago, the signers of the Declaration of Independence declared, “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” One hundred and seven years ago, our own Samoan leaders subscribed to the principles of American independence and democracy; and
WHEREAS, throughout the course of our joint history, courageous men and women have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain these core principles upon which our Nation’s freedom depend. History has shown that all attempts to assail our spirit failed, and our response reveals that the spirit of freedom is as strong as ever. Following in the footsteps of fellow Americans and American Samoans in years past, American Samoans continue to courageously step forward to join the ranks that defend our land and are now fighting overseas to defeat terrorism; and
WHEREAS, today, American Samoans continue to serve our country in these perilous times of terrorism and war. Many of them willingly entered harms way to fight for our freedom. By their service, they keep America strong. At this moment, men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard are serving around the world. They represent our dedication to achieving a lasting peace out of the new challenges and threats of the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, on Veterans’ Day, let us pause to reflect on the sacrifices of all of those who have put on the uniform to serve in the United States military. Let us honor our veterans, who proved their heroism and love of country time and again. They consistently defended our ideals across the globe; and they continue to inspire those who defend America today. More than one million have died in service to America; more than a million and a half have borne the wounds of battle. Some sustained serious injuries in combat and now live with disabilities. Our Nation will always be grateful for the noble sacrifices made by veterans. We can never adequately repay them. But we can honor and respect them for their selfless service; and
WHEREAS, as we consider the sacrifices and efforts of our veterans, we must never forget that freedom comes at a cost. I call upon our veterans to serve our territory by teaching the next generation of young American Samoans the importance of the liberties they helped secure and to remind our youth of the strong principles upon which our great Nation is founded. Our veterans have much to share with our young people about liberty, patriotism, democracy, and independence. After all, they are living examples of the timeless truth that freedom is not free; and
WHEREAS, in respect and recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom, the Congress has provided [5 U.S.C. 6105 (a)] that November 11th of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOGIOLA T. A. TULAFONO, Governor of the United States Territory of American Samoa, do hereby proclaim Monday, November 12, 2007, as an official holiday throughout the Territory and urge all citizens and residents to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Territorial and Local officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, and the media to support this national observance with suitable commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office this 8th day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven.
TOGIOLA T. A. TULAFONO
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