[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL OF RAISING THE U.S. FLAG IN AMERICAN SAMOA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2000

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I express my heartiest 
congratulations to the people of American Samoa and to Samoans living 
in Hawaii and throughout the United States in recognition of the 
Centennial of the Raising of the United States Flag in American Samoa.
  Flag Day, which is celebrated on April 17th, is the biggest holiday 
in American Samoa and is observed by Samoans throughout the world. The 
importance of this holiday is a reflection of the pride the people of 
Samoa take in their affiliation with the United States.
  Samoans have demonstrated their loyalty and commitment to the United 
States through service in our Nation's wars. In fact, the per capita 
rate of enlistment in the Armed Forces among American Samoans is among 
the highest in the United States.
  For more than 30 years, the Samoa Flag Day Festival has been observed 
in Hawaii. It is a celebration of our shared history, of the 
contributions Samoans have made to our Nation and to the State of 
Hawaii, and of the rich culture and traditions of Faasamoa. The 
Festival includes sports competitions, cultural demonstrations, 
singing, dancing, and food.
  I take this opportunity to send my warmest aloha to my esteemed 
colleague, the Honorable Eni Faleomavaega, and to all the people of 
American Samoa.

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