On Memorial Day
2008, members of the 400th Combat Support Platoon of the American Samoa Army Reserve returned from a 10 month deployment
to Iraq. It was fitting that these Toa
o Samoa returned on a day when our nation celebrates all of those heroes who have paid the
ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom.
On Friday, May 30th,
the Samoan community of central Texas gathered at the fellowship
hall of the Samoan Congregational Christian Church for a thanksgiving prayer service.
The service was led by Rev. Menise Sasa of the SCCC. Music was provided
by the church choir. Many family members and friends gathered for this special
occasion. Some traveled from other states to welcome home our troops.
Rev. Sasa reminded the troops that it was only 10 months ago that there was a similar gathering to bid them
farewell. “I told you at our farewell to go with the wind of God, the Spirit
of God. I believe the spirit of
God has brought you back safely to us,” said Rev. Sasa. He told the troops
that it seemed like only yesterday we were saying goodbye and acknowledged that ten months is fast for civilians, but a long
time for deployed soldiers, especially their families and loved ones. “Your
families have sacrificed a lot as well and we thank God for their support,” Rev. Sasa continued. A special prayer was offered by Pastor Tausiniō Silao of the
Body of Christ Church of Killeen, TX.
The unit was given
an opportunity to share a testimony of their deployment. Speaking for the unit
was 1LT Wong-Mageo. He expressed his gratitude to the Almighty for His love and
protection. “Our Gods’ love is so big that words cannot express it,”
he said. He talked about sitting on the tarmac when their plane arrived and just
being overwhelmed thinking about their deployment. “The enemy was all around
us. There were many bombs and explosions around us, but God protected us and
brought us back”, he stated. He continued, “… in
fact this past week we found out that a bomb had exploded in the camp we just left and killed some of our fellow soldiers.” He spoke of appreciation for all of the prayers that families, friends and communities
have offered on their behalf. He shared his reflections on Memorial Day, “a
day where we honor the many men and women who have died for our freedom…”
He also, in his reflections, acknowledged the sacrifice of their families, loved ones, churches and country - the sacrifice
of prayer and “nofo tapua’i.”
As a token of appreciation
to the Samoan community in Texas, Lt. Mageo-Wong
presented, on behalf of the unit, an American Samoa flag framed in wood from Iraq. It is the very flag that was
flown at their camp in Iraq since the
day they arrived. “This flag flew at our camp as a reminder of who we were
fighting for,” said Wong-Mageo during the presentation. Rev. Sasa, who
was clearly touched by the gift, accepted it on behalf of the church. He said
that they are working on building a church for the sons and daughters of Samoa in the Greater Ft. Hood area and central Texas and this flag will be in the sanctuary as a symbol of the sacrifice
our Samoan soldiers have made for our country. The unit sang a stirring rendition
of LMS hymnal 138, “E Lou Tama” to conclude their testimonial.
The church provided
a traditional Samoan meal following the service for the soldiers and all of those assembled.
The food committee, headed by Faletua Taiana Lefotu and Deacon John Liua, prepared an array of scrumptious Samoan food
including desserts and a sweet, smooth poi fa’i.
“Everything
was nice tonight,” said PVT. Melvin Savali of Petesa. He continued,
“Giving praise to God is important. Thanks to our families and everyone
for their prayers.” Many of the soldiers commented that they appreciated
the food. They said they haven’t eaten sapasui and fa’I for a long
time.
After the meal,
Rev. Alumamalu Filoiali’I spoke on behalf of the unit. He thanked the church
and community for their hospitality, especially for the prayers. He spoke about
being in the land where Abraham lived and reminded him of Abraham’s faith. It
is that faith that has brought them through their deployment.
Rev. Sasa closed
the night with a prayer. He told the gathering that Samoans leave Samoa with two important things; their God and their culture.
And even though we are thousands of miles from home, we still hold true to those two things. Even in Iraq, Samoans
still worship their God and practice their fa’aSamoa. That is something
we should never forget. He concluded that if that night was any indication, Samoans haven’t forgotten.
