The Governor of American Samoa, Togiola Tulafono, has admonished those calling for Flag Day to be scrapped.
Flag Day celebrations - when the Territory remembers when the United States flag was first raised there 103 years ago, are being held this year over the 3rd and 4th July.
The occasion was moved from its usual date in April after the sudden death of Governor Tauese Sunia.
Togiola says Flag Day is an opportunity to give thanks for the freedom and benefits that American Samoa now enjoys.
And he said that he was happy that the event was on July 4th to allowing the Territory to join the rest of the nation in commemorating Independence Day.
