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A National Day to honour those who fought for Samoa’s Independence
By Lagi Keresoma/
Apia, SAMOA – 16 February 2026 – A National Day will be part of the June Independence celebrations to remember and honour those who fought and paved the way for Samoa’s independence.
The Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said the event is scheduled for 2 June 2026 where the awards will be recognised during the Government Awards and Honours program.
A special committee led by Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui has been appointed to assess and select the recipients of the awards.
The Prime Minister said the National Day is a day to remember them and named some significant names in Samoa’s colonial history such as Namulauulu Lauaki Mamoe who was banished to Saipan and died before making it back to Samoa, and those who died in what is known as Black Saturday where Paramount Chief and Mau Leader Tupua Tamasese Lealofi 111 was shot by New Zealand police during a peaceful march on Apia Beach Road, 28 December 1929.
Mau a Pule leader, Namulauulu Lauaki Mamoe (with orators staff and whisk) with other Samoans on a ship being banished to Saipan by the Germans.
The Prime Minister said that over the years, Samoa had recognized those who died in various campaigns around the world during the ANZAC day commemorations, yet Samoa seems to forget to remember and honour its own heroes who paved the way for the freedom and independence the country and current generations now enjoy.
“This National Day will honour and remember Samoa’s national heroes,” he said.
The 64th Independence celebrations in June will be spread over three days and will restore a sense of pride and national emphasis on the meaning of the country’s political independence.
The celebrations will bring back the popular longboats regatta between Samoa and American Samoa, marching schools and organisations competition, brass bands, church and traditional signing competitions and entertainment, traditional sports and others that target national involvement.
Over the years, the emphasis had shifted from the independence celebrations to the Teuila tourism festival in September.
The iconic image of Mau Leader Tupua Tamasese Meaole 111 with Mau Leaders at the Vaimoso Headquarters.
Revival of the Mau Monument
One of the significant events is the restoration of the iconic Mau Monument headquarters at Vaimoso village.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the Government had asked former Member of Parliament and Chairman for the Faleata 1 District Council, Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale to restore the Mau Monument to its original status.
The monument is the central office of the Mau Movement and is featured in many historic photographs from that era and has a direct connection to Samoa’s independence as it was the place where the country’s leaders met and made decisions during the struggle for the political independence.
He said the Mau Monument restoration project can be placed under the district council’s development project.
“This is the place where our forefathers made a stand against colonial administrators of the time who exiled and imprisoned our leaders,” he said.
The National Awards are to remember and honour their struggle, pain and steadfastness in ensuring Samoa is the free and independent country that we enjoy today, said the Prime Minister.