Congressman Faleomavaega today extended his congratulations and best wishes to all Veterans in American Samoa and abroad for a peaceful and happy commemoration of this year’s Veterans Day.

“I am honored to share this special day with all our U.S. Veterans residing in the territory and abroad, reminiscing and paying tribute to our comrades who gave their lives on all fronts and fields of conflicts so the world could live in freedom and peace,” Faleomavaega said.

“I regret that I am not able to be in American Samoa to celebrate with you as I have been invited to speak at another Samoan community event in which our fallen brothers and sister, Toa o Samoa, will be honored during this Veterans Day.  However, my spirit and heart are with you and all our brothers-and-sisters-in-arms around the nation and throughout the world on this special day.  May I also extend the honor to all our comrades who have passed on and could not be with us today.”

“I offer a special tribute to honor our fallen heroes in the Iraqi and Afghanistan conflicts, especially to the 16 sons and daughters of Samoa who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and may we remember their souls in our prayers, and especially their grieving families and friends. Our nation will always remain the land of the free for as long as it is the home of the brave. And all of them are truly brave men and women,” Faleomavaega continued.

“I want to take this opportunity to offer my personal condolences to the parents of Sergeant Lui Tumanuvao, Mr. and Mrs. Kelekolio and Monica Tumanuvao, and especially to his wife, Selia, and children, Faaea and Lui, Jr., who have suffered a great loss.   Sergeant Lui Tumanuvao was a father, a son, a hero who gave his life for all to live in peace.  His bravery and commitment is an example of why we celebrate our Veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.”

“I wish you all peace, and may all of you, your families and the people of American Samoa have a very happy Veterans Day.”

“A personal message to all the Toa o Samoa who are currently serving our country at home and around the world, especially those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, ia tumau lo outou faatuatua i le Atua.  Ia tumau lo outou mataala ma le toa o outou loto.  O loo matou tu’i atu pea le mulipapaga ma tatalo e tapua’ia lo outou alofaiva ina ia a’e ma le manuia,” Faleomavaega concluded.