By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Diane Faavi of the American Samoa government office,
with the Samoan flag, which features an American eagle
brandishing a fly whisk, a totem of Samoan culture.
By Burl Burlingame
Star-BulletinNearly a century ago, the United States and Germany drew a line in the Pacific and divided Samoa between them. On this side of the international date line, the U.S. flag was hoisted over American Samoa on April 17, 1900, an event that became the major national holiday there. It still is.
So much so, that when Samoans began moving to Hawaii after World War II, they brought their national holiday with them in the baggage. It's the Samoan-American equivalent of Cinco de Mayo for Hispanic-Americans, Oktoberfest for German-Americans, Burns Night for Scottish-Americans, Bon Dance season for Japanese-Americans.
"Basically, it's a way for all Samoans in Hawaii to celebrate becoming part of America," said Norma Tanele, a secretary with the Samoan Flag Day Committee.
One slight glitch. Samoan Flag Day is celebrated here with a week of activities beginning the first weekend of August. That's because the celebration includes kids' baseball and cricket tournaments that would be difficult to stage during the school year. Last year it began running nine days.
"The youth activities are very important," said Tanele. "Kids who are born and raised here sometimes don't know the language and culture that they come from."
According to event organizer High Chief Fepuleai Vita Tanielu, Samoan Flag Day has a dual purpose in Hawaii -- as an event that local Samoans identify with their culture, and as a potential tourist attraction in the state's effort to diversify visitor experiences. Chairman Talking Chief Muavaa Ati So'o will try to accomplish this with a five-year plan.
"It's just pure patriotism, too, and we carry our proud traditions overseas," said Tanielu. "The new generation has to carry on the torch. Plus, tourists will get a chance to see real Samoan culture in action."
A key element is the involvement of the young.
"We want to encourage youth clubs to participate, to bring together Samoans in a way that celebrates our culture," said Tanielu.
"What do you read about Samoans in the newspapers? We're No. 1 among welfare recipients? We're No. 1 in prisons? That's not a way to be proud of your identity, and we Samoans have much to be proud of. And -- if you raise your own self-esteem for what you are, then you also appreciate the cultural identity of other groups instead of holding it against them. Respect yourself, and you respect others."
Nine-day celebration
Opening ceremony: Noon Friday, Tamarind Park, with speeches and entertainment.
