Thousands of people began gathering as early as 2 am on Monday, 1 June, to mark Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary in a large national celebration featuring marching groups from more than 40 schools across Upolu and Savai’i, overseas supporters, churches, businesses, ministries, and community organisations.
The event saw participation from schools, including a school from Auckland, New Zealand, along with churches, businesses, government ministries, the FESA Red Cross Society, the Malofie group, and former students from various schools joining the marches and all other groups from Samoa and overseas.
During the celebration, Head of State Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II delivered a speech highlighting gratitude, unity, and faith.
“As we raise our praises and thanksgiving to Almighty God, we gather today with joy to celebrate the 64th anniversary of our Independence. Let us move forward and preserve this day, for it is a day that should be proclaimed loudly and filled with gratitude and praise to God.”
He reminded the nation of the importance of remembering history, ancestors, and leaders who fought for independence. He emphasized unity under this year’s theme, “Samoa is One for a New Beginning.”
