Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt announced plans to establish a National Warriors Day and extend Samoa’s 64th Independence Day celebrations to three days.

The prime minister highlighted the need to honour "Samoan warriors", noting that the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day is always celebrated but misses out on the celebration of "Samoan warriors."

"Ua tatou tau lilifa tele i le tatou ANZAC day e faamanatu le feoki o lisi au alii kaua a isi atunuu ae tau fagalogalo ē na asa ina le tatou taua. Tatou maua ai le saalotogo. Ia lea na tatou faia nei tausaga uma lalo le uati - e taua - ae ua tatau ona tatou vaai National Day for Samoan Warriors - unheard - Samoan warriors," said Laaulialemalietoa, which translates to:

“We are always excited about our ANZAC day, where we remember the soldiers who died from other countries, but we forget those who fought our battles - it's celebrated under the clock, it's important, but we should have a national day for our Samoan warriors, unheard of, Samoan warriors”, he said.

The prime minister listed several names he believes should be recognised as Samoan warriors, including Lipine, Lauaki Mamoe, Namulauulu, Asiata, Tagaloa, Malaeulu, and "all the names that (haven't) been recognised."

He emphasised the importance of celebrating Samoan culture alongside independence, including singing Samoan hymns, fautasi racing, siva Samoa and traditional Samoan dances, and even a sports competition. He also mentioned plans to invite Samoan musical artists from around the world to perform.

The prime minister also spoke about improvements to the Legislative Assembly building. The new facility, expected to open by Independence Day, will include a main office and a dedicated area for parliamentarians and guests to dine in proper settings rather than tents.

Laaulialemalietoa also announced that badges will be handed out during the Independence Day celebrations. 

As part of the Independence Day festivities, the prime minister said Samoan kilikiti matches will begin two weeks prior, with finals scheduled during the three-day celebration. He said teams from American Samoa and New Zealand are expected to participate.