Flag Day!

April 17 each year marks the anniversary of American Samoa becoming a U.S. Territory and heralds the biggest event on the calendar. It was on this date in 1900 that Captain B. F. Tilley of the U.S. Navy raised the American Flag on Samoan soil and American Samoa as a U.S. Territory was born. The day is marked by different cultural events but the biggest for me were the Fautasi races. About a dozen villages race 45-man row boats in Pago Pago harbor for cash prizes and bragging rights. We watched from one point in the harbor that was occupied by Nu'uuli villagers, supporting their boat the Satani (Satan).

Below, this Satani fan didn't think much of us, notice the stink eye.


Another Satani supporter waiting for his boat to come by. Satani would finish 3rd.


4th place


5th place


Last place, the Seahawk.


Some artsy harbor shots of the boats racing in.



In celebration of Flag Day and the upcoming Earth Day, I'll end with 2 nice nature shots from the territory.