Victims of the 2009 Pacific tsunami are being remembered with services in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.
Throughout the US territory, flags are at half-mast until sunset today and the government has organised a public service in the capital Pago Pago to honor their 34 dead.
On Saturday, several family members representing the 34 tsunami victims attended the service. Thirty-four decorated empty-chairs were placed on the stage.
Names of the tsunami victims – including a handful of non-Samoans but were residing in the territory during the time the tsunami – were each recited followed by a toll of the bell.
Senator Fai’ivae Iuli Alex Godinet is a paramount chief from Leone where 11 people died.
Fai’ivae said his village and Pago Pago were the worst affected.
He said the commemorations in Leone are centered around the Healing Garden tsunami memorial which has plaques dedicated to each of the village’s dead.
