American Samoa

American Samoa
Country	United States
Adopted	April 17, 1960
Proportions	1:2

The flag of American Samoa is blue with a white inverted pile with a red fimbriation. In the fly of the flag, inside the white pile, is a stylized bald eagle flying towards the hoist, holding a golden fa'alaufa'i (club) and a golden fue (fly whisk).

Symbolism

Red, white, and blue, are traditional colors, seen on the flags of the United States and Samoa, and the bald eagle is the American national bird, which administers the island. The fa'alaufa'i and the fue are symbolic of the island's culture. The fue also represents the wisdom of Samoa's traditional chiefs, and the fa'alaufa'i represents the power of the government.

History

Before European contact in the 18th century, Samoa did not use flags. Flags first appeared in the 1800s, but documentation is incomplete, making it unclear which ones were flown. At the turn of the century, Samoa became a point of contention among Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The dispute was resolved through the Tripartite Convention of 1899, which divided Samoa among the three nations. On April 17, 1900, the United States assumed control of eastern Samoa, raising the U.S. flag over Tutuila. This flag remained the only official flag of American Samoa until 1960.

In the mid-20th century, as Samoans became more involved in local governance, discussions began about creating a new territorial flag. Samoans were invited to propose ideas, and local leaders collaborated with the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry to design a flag that reflected these contributions. The new flag was officially adopted on April 17, 1960, marking the 60th anniversary of the U.S. flag's first raising in Samoa.

The flag's design was the result of a competition held at Samoana High School in 1959, won by student Fareti Sotoa. A draft of the design was sent to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry before final approval. The flag was first raised during the Flag Day celebration on April 17, 1960.

A copy of the flag, carried to the moon on four Apollo missions between 1969 and 1971, is now displayed at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Pago Pago.

American Samoa continues to commemorate Flag Day with annual celebrations on April 17.