1 Tala - Tanumafili II US Bicentennial

Samoa's participation in the American Bicentennial commemorative wave of 1976 was a direct reflection of its close political ties with the United States — ties formalized through the 1951 Treaty of Friendship and reinforced by American administration of Eastern Samoa throughout the twentieth century. Western Samoa, though fully independent since 1962, had strong incentive to align itself symbolically with Washington. Tanumafili II, who held the position of O le Ao o le Malo as sole head of state for life following the death of Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole in 1963, lent his authority to the issue.