Hundreds of Samoans have attended today's celebrations to mark 44 years of independence from New Zealand.
The ceremony was held at Tiafau Malae to remember the 1962 occasion when the then Western Samoa became the Pacific's first independent country after colonial rule by among others Germany.
The Head of State Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II thanked the people for the peaceful outcome of this year's election despite strong and powerful campaigns by several political parties.
The Head of State said people had made their decision through the election.
American Samoa's Governor Togiola Tulafono has also been attending the celebration.
