Samoa celebrates

Samoa celebrated the addition of another year to the maturity of her political independence, having turned the grand old age of 53 yesterday.

As thousands decked out in their colourful attires at Mulinu’u, the rain did not dampen their spirits as they marched, danced and sung praises of beautiful Samoa for the world to see.

The Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, raised the national flag of Samoa at the Malae o Tiafau at the crack of dawn.

This was followed by a 21-gun salute, symbolic of the day of independence.

In addressing the nation, the Head of State, His Highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi spoke about celebrating history.

“Today we celebrate history,” he said. “We celebrate all those events and all those people whose thoughts and actions brought us to this moment; to this time of celebration and remembrance". “Today we celebrate our history, our Samoan history, the history of our forebears, in particular their stories of conquering the odds and protecting our lands and heritage".

“Today we make our stories visible, audible, memorable and sensible in the context of the history of the world and of our region".

His Highness Tui Atua based his address on the Samoan saying “E sili le toa e pulea lona loto i le toa e a’ea le ‘olo."

In English it translates to “He who conquers his impulses is greater than he who conquers the fortress".

According to the Head of State, this is a reminder for conviction and courage.

“It is also a reminder to ourselves as Samoans of the need to remember our own references,” he said. “To celebrate Independence is thus to celebrate our ability to know ourselves and our history, in all its fullness and colour".

The Head of State addressed an audience that included elderly men and women and children who had arrived at Mulinuu before daylight for the celebration. There, they joined Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and many special guests.

Among them were the Prime Minister of Tonga, ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu Peleti Mauga.

Also present was the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu and the Speaker of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Fosi.

As the rain started to pour about half an hour following the raising of the flag, marchers were forced to pass through the honorary guests quickly.

More than twenty schools ranging from primary to Colleges, Institutions, organisations and Ministries participated in the official march.

Many march essay yesterday’s crown was small compared to the previous years.

The fact that most marchers missed the parade because of the rain did not help. Because of the weather, preferred to watch the celebration on television.

The downpour meant the officials had to push through with the programme quickly as concerned parents quickly took their children, leaving for home immediately.

A mother, Aniga Tumua, was among the many parents who stood by as her children were soaked in the rain.

With three children attending different schools from Samoa College to Marist brothers the mother didn’t miss the past celebrations.

“My children never miss a year of marching in the independence,” said Mrs. Tumua. “We always like to support our Independence because our ancestors had fought for our freedom and this is our tribute to them by being here. As for the rain I’m quite worried about my children being wet and as soon as their march is over I am taking them home".

An elderly man from Samusu, Se’ei Tuliga Talanoa was happy to be at the celebration.

“I cannot remember the last time I attended our Independence,” said Se’ei. “I’m old and had always preferred watching from the T.V because you get to see every event clearly. This year I decided to come down for myself with my grandson to see it all.

“I’m happy I came because for the first time I got to see our Head of State in real life and the other guests.” Se’ei added that being able to attend the celebration made him feel connected and proud of Samoa’s fight for its Independence.