Thirteen new United States Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn in last week and have taken up residence in various villages across Upolu and Savaii where they will live and work for the next two years. I could not fly up to greet them because of Cyclone Evan, but my Chargé Chad Berbert tells me that the group is enthusiastic, excited to be in Samoa, happy to be finished with their intensive 10-week Pre-Service Training, and ready for the field.

Our new arrivals (from left): Lou Chen, Teuila Pati, Mildred Andrews, Bradley Boelman, Angelina Velarde, Allyson Miller, my Chargé Chad Berbert, Michelle Paul, PC director Dale Withington, Rebecca Haas, Kate Brolley, Allyson Fraser, Kiri Center, Madisen Rhodes, Joshua Fraser, Zach Wegner, and Karen Acree.

During their extended time in Samoa the volunteers will work on a variety of projects, with a strong focus on improving primary school students’ English literacy. Several of the volunteers are going to villages that were severely affected by the cyclone, and they will help repair and rebuild schools as well as teach students and assist their adopted communities in additional ways.

Because of recent events we did not have a public arrival ceremony. Instead, the volunteers were sworn on my behalf by Chad at our offices in Matafele and then immediately deployed. The new arrivals spent their first day with Chad and our Embassy colleagues helping the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) clean out its facility at the old police building, which had been badly battered by the storm.

New arrivals Michelle Paul, Angelina Velarde, and Allyson Fraser get to work, Peace Corps style.

The work was quite a challenge because the mud which innundated SVSG was more than a foot high in some places. Getting SVSG’s facility back into shape was a priority because in addition to everything else it does, SVSG had tacked immediately into assisting Samoans impacted by the cyclone. We were happy to pitch in. You can learn more about SVSG in the profile I posted earlier this year.

Our new volunteers are part of an extraordinary progression. Since President John F. Kennedy founded the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 countries, spending two years or more of their lives working on health, education, water, food security, and development projects that have opened new horizons for children, extended and improved people’s lives, and uplifted entire communities.

In the Oval Office in March 1961, President John F. Kennedy hands to Sargent Shriver the pen used to sign the act creating the Peace Corps.

For more than 45 years of its history the Peace Corps has been present in Samoa. During that time more than 2,000 Americans have served here, living and working in villages and making a strong postive difference.

Neither the Peace Corps nor the volunteers always get the recognition and support that they deserve, but President Kennedy’s goal wasn’t to attract attention, generate indebtedness, or win thanks. It was simply to help people.

For that reason I’m a vigorous partisan of the program. I think that more folks back in the United States and abroad should learn about its history and current work.

So, when you have a moment, please check out my pertinent prior posts, including a warm remembrance of founding Peace Corps director Sargent Shriver and notes about my visits with volunteers when I’ve been in Samoa.

I’ll end today with one of my favorite quotes from Sargent Shriver, spoken at the University of Notre Dame in that turbulent year 1968. The words could be the Peace Corps’ — and indeed America’s — motto:

“We need to make a national examination of conscience. Why do we need a national examination of conscience? Because suddenly we Americans seem to be panicking. It’s time to stop moaning and wringing our hands. It’s true, the country is in a crisis. But we have always been in a crisis. We ought to thank God we are. Because then we always have something to test us — like a piece of steel that stays strong precisely because it is enduring great pressure.”

If you have read my last few blog posts or followed my recent activity on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, you know that I’ve spent the past week in Apia leading the U.S. delegation to Samoa’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. It was a great several days with a wide array of festivities, sports events, concerts, and even some serious business.

Preparations underway for the parade of floats and bands along the Apia waterfront, with the USS Chafee, HMNZS Otago, and HMAS Darwin visible in the background.

Demonstrating our more than century-long engagement as a Pacific nation and underscoring the Obama Administration’s ongoing regional rebalancing of resources, the United States had the largest, most diverse, and most vibrant foreign presence at the celebrations. I led an official President Delegation appointed by the White House which included Admiral Cecil Haney, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Other American dignitaries came as well including my friend Ambassador Frankie Reed (the current American Ambassador to Suva and former Chargé d’Affaires at Embassy Apia).

We brought with us the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Chafee (with 350 sailors on board), the N.O.A.A. climate research vessel Ka’imimoana, and several Coast Guard and Navy aircraft. We sent the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Band and the acclaimed African American step group Step Afrika! on tours of the islands. And we held several dinners and receptions at our new Chargé Residence including for the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the large number of fellow Americans from American Samoa who attended the festivities, and government officials.

In terms of substantive business, Prime Minister Tuilaepa and I signed a Shiprider Agreement which will allow the Government of Samoa to place Samoan law enforcement officers on American Coast Guard and Navy ships passing through Samoan waters. The officers will direct the interdiction, arrest, and fining of foreign vessels engaged in illegal commercial fishing, trafficking in persons, and trafficking in prohibited substances, serious problems in parts of the Pacific.

I very much appreciated the Prime Minister’s gracious attendance and kind words at various of our invents including the Shiprider signing on the foredeck of the USS Chafee and the reception that followed on the aft deck with the King of Tonga, Governor General of New Zealand, Governor of American Samoa, Deputy Prime Minister, and other distinguished guests. I was also grateful that Samoa’s Minister of Health joined us at another event to unveil plans for a new district medical center funded by Pacom humanitarian assistance funds that will serve villages in western Upolu and Manono islands.

All in, it was a great showing of friendship and engagement. Of course, as you would unfortunately expect, there are always one or two folks who essentially sit on the sidelines, shout or mumble epithets, and shake their fists at the guys in the scrum because things aren’t going exactly as they wish. That doesn’t get anyone anywhere. In fact, it’s counterproductive. I very much believe in standing up, sprinting onto the field, and joining the match in a positive, productive, tangible way. Which we have done. And which we will continue to do as our rebalancing proceeds.

The serious business, though, did not disrupt the festive nature of the anniversary. The Gov’t of Samoa superbly organized a wide range of marvelous events including a moving national prayer service, stunningly beautiful opening ceremonies, dynamic cultural exhibitions, elegant State dinner at the historic Robert Louis Stevenson House, elegant national Ball, exciting fautasi (traditional Samoan longboat) races and other sporting contests, national variety show, colorful street parade of floats and bands, glorious outdoor candlelight thanksgiving service and gospel music concert, and much more … all executed seamlessly. I don’t know how the Independence Committee managed to do all that.

As everything in Samoa always is, the proceedings were a vibrant feast for the senses. I can’t directly share here on my blog the sweet aroma of the flowers … or the fresh feel of the ocean breeze … or the heavenly tones of the choirs … or the beguiling taste of oka and palusami (my two favorite Samoan delicacies) … but I can — and will — share a few more photos to give you a sense of the celebrations:

His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia, and Hon. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi stand before the reviewing stand at the start of opening ceremonies.

With a few of my Embassy, Peace Corps, and Step Afrika colleagues after we marched in the opening ceremonies, in new uniforms that we made specially for the event.

Contingent of U.S. Veterans of Samoa march past the reviewing stand. (Governor Togiola Tulafono and the First Lady of American Samoa are standing at upper left.)

Prime Minister Tuilaepa and I signing the Shiprider Agreement on the USS Chafee (with the Ka'imimoana in the background at right). Illegal fishing fleets, watch out.

A comedy unit of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band prepares to entertain dignitaries during the light entertainment portion of opening ceremonies.

Step Afrika! performing at Moataa village on Upolu.

Villagers riding in the float parade.

The Navy Band marching in the float parade.

Delivering the keynote address at the Independence Day secondary school speech and debate competition sponsored by the Rotoract Club.

The main stage used for cultural performances and the national variety show.

A group performing in the national variety show.

I hope you can tell that we had a great time. Because we did. My team and I worked 15-hour days throughout the week, but it was the kind of work that puts a big smile on your face, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and contributes positively to the joy and celebration of your friends on their special occasion.

Big thanks to the Prime Minister, the Independence Day Committee, and all our Samoan friends for allowing us to participate, for including us so graciously in the festivities, and, as always, for receiving us with such warmth, hospitality, and affection. Thanks also to my colleagues — not just at Embassy Apia but also from Embassy Wellington and Consulate General Auckland — who worked tirelessly for months to organize and then execute our programs.

As the title of the post says, it certainly was an outstanding week in Samoa.

On parade in Apia.

As you know from my prior posts, the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band came to Samoa all the way from their base in Yokosuka, Japan to help us celebrate Samoa’s 50^thIndependence Day.

Among the Navy’s finest, the twenty visiting musicians played in numerous concerts, parades, parties, and other events on both Upolu and Savaii islands, including in outlying areas that don’t usually get to see visiting performers or officials.

I am always particularly focused on showing our visitors Savaii, one of my favorite parts of Samoa. We sent the Band across from Upolu on the ferry, and they played their first performance — spontaneously – at the Salelologa Market.

The impromptu two-hour show was a big hit with morning shoppers and local children, who in turn thoroughly impressed our musicians with their enthusiasm, affection, and hospitality. It was a marvelous way to introduce our visitors to the special warmth, charm, and rhythm of Samoan society.

I firmly embrace the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. So rather than type out more text, I’ll share below a few of my favorite photos from the Band’s adventures around Samoa.

Performing at Salelologa Market.

Up close and personal.

Several fans and someone still making up his mind.

Performing in Iva village.

Marching past the reviewing stand at Independence Day opening ceremonies.

Marching along the waterfront in the parade of floats.

One of the beautiful village floats in the parade.

Playing at a reception on board the USS Chafee after Samoa's Prime Minister and I signed a Shiprider Agreement.

A traditional Samoan fautasi races past the USS Chafee berthed in Apia Harbor.

Naval keyboard specialist entertains guests at the official State Dinner held at the historic Robert Louis Stevenson House.

Guests at the State Dinner. You get bonus points for locating Dr McWaine, the Deputy Prime Minister, the French Ambassador, the Papal Nuncio, my Chargé Chad, the Australian High Commissioner, and at least three Members of the NZ Parliament.

A few of the musicians taking a little time off.

Taking time for a photo with a new friend during a break from shopping.

The photos say it all. Music was played. Hands were clapped. Parades were marched. Sights were seen. Shopping occurred. Smiles proliferated. And friends were made. I can’t imagine a better way to have celebrated Samoa’s Golden Jubilee.

I just landed back in Wellington after a hectic week of ceremonies, official functions, speeches, and meetings in Apia in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Western Samoa, now known as the Independent State of Samoa. Before I turn my attention to the mountain of correspondence, memos, and other work that piled up on my desk while I was away, I thought I’d share a few more photos from Step Afrika!’s Samoa performances.

Performing in Moataa village.

Stepping is a unique dance tradition created by African American university students. As explained on Step Afrika!’s website, stepping involves using the body as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps, spoken word, and chants.

The tradition grew out of dance rituals practiced in the early 1900s by fraternities and sororities in historically African American schools to communicate affinity and allegiance to the group. The art form has grown rapidly in popularity and can now be widely found in primary and secondary schools, churches, and other community organizations as well as universities.

Stepping on the main stage in front of the Government Building in Apia.

Founded in December 1994, Step Afrika! is the first professional step company in the world. The group is renown not only for its dynamic performances but for its work to promote stepping as an educational tool for young people worldwide. Step Afrika! reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year and has performed on many hundreds of stages in North & South America, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and now Samoa.

Stepping down Apia’s main drag, before any of the luggage arrived.

Step Afrika!’s first performance in Apia (at the National University of Samoa) was a major challenge. The airline lost the group’s baggage containing their costumes, equipment, and musical instruments. The steppers had only the clothes on their backs, literally, when they drove into town from Faleolo Airport. Rather than disappoint, however, the group scoured the markets of Apia en route to the venue and purchased clothes and basic props for the show.

The audience of more than 200 students waiting in NUS’s ornate fale, though, didn’t seem to notice any problem. They swayed, clapped, cheered, and at times joined in the stepping. As is   Step Afrika!’s custom, the group followed the show with a collaborative workshop with local Samoan artists.

At a village performance on Upolu.

The next day – still without any luggage –  the group drove over the mountain to the southern shore of Upolu to perform and hold workshops in Sataoa and Poutasi villages. Again the shows were dynamic, engaging, collaborative, and well-attended. The steppers thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the audiences and the beauty of the mountain drive, the beaches, and the sea.

That evening Step Afrika! had the special treat of performing at the annual beauty pageant sponsored by the Samoa Fa’afafine Association. Considered in certain island cultures to be the third gender, fa’afafine occupy a respected position in Samoan society. … And they throw a great party. Held in a sports arena, the pageant drew an exuberant crowd of about 6,000 people. Step Afrika! performed halfway through the show and brought much of the audience to its feet.

Taking a bow at the Fa’afafine pageant.

Over the next few days the group performed and conducted workshops in several other villages including a wonderful show that Dr McWaine and I attended in Moataa. More than 250 people packed the church hall, and dozens more watched from the parking lot and nearby trees.

Step Afrika! raised the roof for two hours, after which the local Moataa performance group shared traditional Samoan songs and dances. It was an absolutely wonderful evening filled with warmth, respect, music, and goodwill. The steppers and village youth were still talking, laughing, and sharing moves when we left close on midnight.

During the Moataa performance.

On June 1st, although they already had a very full schedule, the steppers generously marched with my Embassy and Peace Corps colleagues in the official Independence Day parade. Dr McWaine, Congressman Faleomavaega of American Samoa, and I stepped down off the reviewing stand to join the American contingent.

We were all decked out in our new Embassy elei (aloha) uniforms, marching behind a banner carried by my Chargé’s two young sons. When we reached the central dais, Step Afrika! performed a step salute to Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, who responded with a broad smile and generous applause.

In the Independence Day parade (behind the Scouts).

Step Afrika! performed several other times at official events, including in a float parade along the waterfront and concerts on the main stage in front of the Government Building. One of the shows drew more than 1,500 people.

Another performance during an evening-long national variety show of Samoan and American Samoan acts drew a crowd of more than ten thousand, including many young people perched in trees, on car roofs, and atop light poles. Despite intermittent rain, the large crowd clapped, swayed, and cheered with the performers, including Step Afrika!  It was an electric night, and Dr McWaine and I had a great time.

Performing in the national variety show.

The men and women of Step Afrika! represented the People of the United States in superb fashion throughout Independence week in Samoa. Wherever they went they lit up the room (or stage or street) with positive energy, delighted audiences with the universal language of rhythm and dance, and collaborated in ways that underscored just how much our different cultures share in common.

I’m delighted that these marvelous steppers were able to take time away from their busy performance schedule in the United States to join us in Samoa. They brought fun, laughter, and warmth with them, and they left many new friends and stronger relationships in their wake … as all good ambassadors should.

And, yes, their luggage did finally arrive.