Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is honored to be asked by President Obama to be part of the delegation representing the United States at the 50th anniversary celebration of Samoa’s independence this weekend. 

 “I appreciate the White House’s recognition of Samoa’s 50th anniversary of independence as a democratic nation, in fact, the first island nation in the Pacific to have taken this historic step to become a self-governing government,” Faleomavaega said.

 “To be part of the United State’s delegation to this celebration is very significant in that for 50 years, Samoa has been a beacon and a guiding star for other Pacific Island nations to follow in their quest for determining their own political future.”

 “My congratulations to His Highness, the Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and the people of Samoa on this momentous occasion,” Faleomavaega concluded.

 The full text of the White House press release announcing the delegation is attached below.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2012

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to Apia, Samoa to Attend the 50th Anniversary of Independence

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Apia, Samoa to attend the 50th Anniversary of Independence, on June 1, 2012.

The Honorable David Huebner, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, U.S. House of Representatives, The territory of American Samoa; and former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific

Mr. James L. Loi, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Admiral Cecil D. Haney, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy

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