[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     OBSERVING POLYNESIAN FLAG DAY

 Mr. BEGICH. Madam President, I would like to take the time to 
recognize Polynesian Flag Day. This day commemorates the first raising 
of the American Flag on the Tutuila Island in American Samoa by the 
United States Navy on April 17, 1900.
  An annual Polynesian Flag Day event was established to bring 
Polynesian elders, children families, friends, and communities together 
across Alaska to celebrate, respect, and share their culture and 
history together. Polynesian Flag Day is a time to recognize the 
Polynesian community's years of nationality, freedom, and honor, and to 
commend the service of Polynesian Americans who have fought and are 
fighting for the freedoms that we all hold dear.
  This year marks the 8th Annual Polynesian Flag Day celebration in 
Alaska, highlighting a proud cultural exchange between Alaska and the 
Polynesian Islands. The Polynesian Association of Alaska promotes 
community building, fosters leadership skills for Alaskan youth, and 
helps cultivate an exchange of ideas and respect between elders and 
youth, further strengthening our communities.
  I join the Alaska Polynesian community in celebrating the 8th Annual 
Polynesian Flag Day in Alaska.
  Thank you for allowing me to take a moment to recognize this year's 
Polynesian Flag Day.

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