Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa
Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday in January and commemorates a leader of the American civil rights movement whose activism centered on nonviolence and civil disobedience.[5][6] In American Samoa, local observance is shaped by territorial rules and notices from the Governor’s Office, so check official announcements for local arrangements.[1][2][4]
How the holiday is designated
American Samoa’s code lists its standing public holidays, but Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not among them. A separate regulation allows the Governor to establish additional holidays by proclamation, and the Governor’s Office publishes recurring Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday memoranda.[1][2][4]
This differs from the federal calendar, which names the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a federal holiday on the third Monday in January. The territorial code also has its own rules for paid holidays and government employee schedules; federal status alone does not establish the hours of every local workplace.[3][5]
Meaning and history
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader who used nonviolent action and civil disobedience. The National Archives says legislation signed in 1986 established the holiday on the third Monday in January to remember him near his January 15 birthday.[6]
Local observance and planning
The Governor’s Office issues Martin Luther King Jr. Day notices. Check local official announcements for event details.[4]
For practical planning, consult the applicable Governor’s Office notice for government arrangements. American Samoa’s regulations say that, for covered government employees, a holiday falling on Saturday is observed on the preceding Friday and one falling on Sunday on the following Monday; the rules also address employees whose workweek differs from Monday through Friday.[3]
Confirm opening hours directly with shops, banks and transport providers before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
It falls on the third Monday in January.[5]
Is it a public holiday in American Samoa?
How can I check local government arrangements?
Are shops, banks, and transport services open?
Contact the specific business or provider to confirm its hours before you travel or visit.
Sources and references
Sources used for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in American Samoa:
- 1.0501 Public holidays.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 4.2403 Holidays-Designated-Proclamation.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 4.2404 Holidays-Days observed.- American Samoa Bar Association
- GENERAL MEMORANDUMS- American Samoa Government, Office of the Governor
- What are Federal holidays?- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968)- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration