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Amata honors vets on anniversary of end of WWII
Delegate Aumua Amata (R-A. Samoa), left, is joined by other members of a congressional delegation for a photo in front of the historic Hickam flag, which was flying at the attacks marking the United States’ entry into World War II and was again present on the USS Missouri at the close of World War II. (Contributed Photo)
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa—Delegate Aumua Amata (R-A. Samoa) released the following statement last Thursday in honor of veterans for the 73rd anniversary of V-J Day, or Victory in the Pacific:
“On Sept. 2, 1945, the world celebrated the end of World War II, and the Allied forces celebrated victory over Imperial Japan with a document signed on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri. This historic occasion will be marked with a special ceremony in our nation’s capital. Veterans of World War II will place wreaths at the National World War II Memorial’s Freedom Wall in remembrance of the 400,000 Americans and millions throughout the world who lost their lives in World War II.
“This day is another stirring reminder of the great trust we place in our armed forces. It’s a day to honor all our veterans and service members, while specially remembering those who gave so much in the 1940s to secure our freedoms. They left the world a better place, and Japan became a staunch ally and friend in the cause of freedom, peace, stability and prosperity.
“Even today in American Samoa, we have our reminders overlooking the harbor of that immense war. Still today, the people of American Samoa are doing our part, serving the country in high numbers. The military families of American Samoa have earned the right to be proud of that as we remember this important date in history.” (PR)
