Polynesian Culture Flag Day is celebrated the last Saturday in June in Anchorage. Many of our missionaries attended to give service and support. These devoted elders serve in the Northern Lights Samoan and Lake Otis Samoan Wards. (By the way, these elders won our "cleanest apartment" award when we last inspected missionary apartments.) When English-speaking elders are assigned to Polynesian wards, they faithfully just jump in and try to learn Samoan or Tongan "on the job." They never anticipated they would learn and live an Island culture on their missions to Alaska!
Young single adults from the Dimond and Northern Lights Wards performed traditional dances and songs. They were beautiful in their costumes, and their performance was well rehearsed and impressive! They represented the Church and their cultures with joy, pride, and grace.
Several Church families had food booths. Here is one of our favorite YSAs who was helping in her family's booth making delicious watermelon and mango drinks. She has a mission call to the Las Vegas West Mission entering the MTC July 31. She and her cousin, who has a call to the Philippines, are the first sister missionaries to leave from their Lake Hood Tongan Ward.
This dancer with the elaborate headdress represents the chief's daughter.
These dancers from the Dimond Samoan Ward were part of a popular, energetic performance. These "Island" young single adults are proud of their heritage, and we are grateful for the faithful contribution they make to the spirit of our Institute classes.
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