Flag of American Samoa
The flag of American Samoa is a distinct symbol representing the unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific. Here are some facts about the flag:
- Design: The American Samoan flag features a dark blue field with a white canton in the upper hoist corner. Inside the canton, there is a bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, with outstretched wings. The eagle holds in its claws a symbol of strength and endurance known as a tala, a traditional Samoan war club, as well as a symbolic representation of the traditional Samoan staff, called a fue.
- History: The current design of the American Samoan flag was officially adopted on April 27, 1960. It replaced the previous flag, which had a similar design but featured a different style and arrangement of the elements.
- Symbolism: The dark blue field represents the ocean surrounding the islands of American Samoa. The white canton symbolizes purity, and the bald eagle represents the close ties between American Samoa and the United States. The tala and the fue held by the eagle symbolize both traditional Samoan culture and the strength of the American Samoan people.
- Relationship with the United States: American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, and its flag reflects this political association. The presence of the bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, in the flag, signifies the territory’s ties to the United States.
- Official Usage: The American Samoan flag is widely used and displayed across the territory. It is flown on government buildings, at official ceremonies, and during various local events and celebrations.
- Flag Day: American Samoa celebrates Flag Day on April 17 each year. It commemorates the day in 1900 when the United States flag was first raised in the territory, marking its formal establishment as a U.S. possession.
The flag of American Samoa serves as a symbol of the territory’s identity, culture, and relationship with the United States. It represents the pride, unity, and aspirations of the American Samoan people.