American Samoa's governor has ordered all flags in the territory to be flown at half-mast for two-days marking the 10th anniversary of the September 2009 earthquake and tsunami that claimed the lives of 34 people in American Samoa.
Damage in American Samoa caused by the 2009 Tsunami Photo: RNZI
In his order, Lolo Matalasi Moliga directed flags to be flown at half-mast starting at sunrise on Saturday, 28 September until sunset on Sunday, 29 September.
Lolo also hopes the lowering of the flags prompts all residents to remember those who died, the devastation of that day, and that it moves residents to give thanks to God for the lives that were spared.
"May we always be attentive and focused on the need to be vigilant and meticulous in our preparation for such disasters," the governor said.
Meanwhile, the territorial government will hold a public memorial service on Saturday, 28 September in American Samoa to mark the 10th anniversary of the tsunami, which was considered by officials in 2009 as the worst natural disaster in American Samoa's history.
The ceremony will be at the Veteran Memorial Center, and all cabinet members have been directed to attend the event, where the governor will deliver a special address and the names of those who died that day will be on display.
Later in the afternoon of Saturday is the annual memorial service hosted by the Lions Club of Pago Pago and Hawaiian Airlines.
Since 29 September this year falls on a Sundays, church services across the territory will include remembrance of the tsunami anniversary.
