Veterans Day in American Samoa
Veterans Day is a public holiday in American Samoa, set by law on November 11. Local government observances have included ceremonies honoring veterans and their service; rules about paid time off and substitute days depend on the applicable government employee provisions.[1][2][3]
A public holiday on November 11
American Samoa’s public-holiday law names November 11 as Veterans Day. The territory’s administrative rules on holidays for government employees list a different date.[1][2]
For American Samoa Government employees, a Governor’s Office memorandum for one past observance said government offices would close, nonessential employees would be excused, and employees required to work would receive holiday wages. That example confirms a local government closure for that observance, but does not establish hours for private businesses, banks, schools, or transport providers.[4]
Weekend observance rules
A separate administrative rule says that for employees who work Monday through Friday, a holiday falling on Saturday is observed on the preceding Friday, and one falling on Sunday is observed on the following Monday. For employees with other work schedules, a holiday on a day off is observed on their first workday afterward. These provisions concern employee observance; they do not establish a universal substitute date for every workplace.[2]
Meaning and background
Veterans Day grew out of Armistice Day, which commemorated the armistice that halted fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, the United States Congress changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day so it would honor veterans of all wars. The Department of Veterans Affairs describes its purpose as honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice.[5]
In American Samoa, a government ceremony reported in 2025 included remarks by territorial leaders, a raising of flags representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and a family event hosted by the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs. This is a documented example of local observance, not a fixed annual programme.[3]
Planning your day
The holiday law identifies November 11. Check opening hours with shops, banks, schools and transport providers before you go. A past Governor’s Office memorandum documented a closure of government offices for that year’s observance; check directly with the service or business you plan to use for its schedule.[1][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Veterans Day in American Samoa?
It is listed as a public holiday on November 11.[1]
Do government offices close?
A Governor’s Office memorandum for one past observance said all government offices would close, with employees providing essential services continuing work under holiday-wage provisions. Check current notices for the arrangements on a particular date.[4]
Are shops, banks, and transport services open?
Shops, banks and transport services set their own hours, so check directly with the business or service you plan to use.
Sources and references
Sources used for Veterans Day in American Samoa:
- 1.0501 Public holidays.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 4.2404 Holidays-Days observed.- American Samoa Bar Association
- American Samoa Pays Tribute to its Veterans with a Commemorative Ceremony and Festivities Hosted by the Office of Veterans & Military Affairs- American Samoa Government
- Holiday- Veterans Day 2021- American Samoa Government, Office of the Governor
- History of Veterans Day- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs