A special service was held at the Baha'i Temple on Sunday morning to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II, the first reigning monarch to have embraced the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. 

The National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa and American Samoa hosted the guests for the service. The program was held in the Ancillary Building near the temple. 

Galumalemana Steven Percival spoke on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i Faith in Samoa and American Samoa. He said Malietoa was loved by the Bahai's world over.

"The Malietoa was the first reigning monarch to accept the teachings of Baha'u'llah. The Malietoa ranks so high in the Baha'i community, that his portrait is the only portrait hung inside the Universal House of Justice, which is the supreme governing council of the Bahai's in the whole world," he said. 

" His portrait is also hung inside the Baha'i temple of Samoa."

Galumalemana showcased a film made on the life of Malietoa. 

His daughter Tosi Malietoa, a Baha'i herself, also addressed the guests via an online platform thanking the Baha'is especially the National Spiritual Assembly for the high esteem given to her father. 

She was in tears as she thanked all that had gathered at the humbling event for her and her family. 

"May God grace you for this service granted to remind us of our father. We thank you for his memory. He was a loving and humble man. He loved his country. He also loved all the faiths and religions in Samoa," she said. 

To'oa will be returning to Samoa next week but sends her love to all Samoans. Papaliitele Von Reiche, one of Malietoa's grandsons also spoke about his grandfather. 

"I do have many fond memories of coming to the Baha'i temple with him. I recall this place as very serene and beautiful," he said. 

Nanai Faatafuna Tuiletufuga who moved to New Zealand spoke of his memories of the late Head of State when he was serving the Baha'i faith in Samoa. 

"I remember the time that I became a Baha'i, a Hand of the Cause, Dr Ugo Giachery, buried here on the temple grounds was working closely with his Highness Malietoa," he said. 

"Malietoa was very humble. He did not want to be acknowledged as the Head of State. That was his true nature. 

"I had the bounty of going to the Universal House of Justice in Haifa. I saw the portrait of Malietoa there. When I saw that photo, I felt that I wish I could press the button so that all Samoans can see it. It gave me great pride to be so respected at that level." 

Malietoa Malietau, another grandchild of the late Malietoa recalled the advice given to him by his grandfather.

"One of my greatest memories is a contribution that his life speaks of, and it is his devotion to service. Service to your country. Service to your people," he said. 

"He was a national leader because of his role as Head of State. Malietoa accepted Christianity in this country. But Malietoa accepted the Baha'i Faith. He believed that the Baha'i faith would have a national, a regional and a global impact on all humanity. 

"So, the Malietoa family accepted his reasoning. That is a tribute to his service. If you think that it would benefit your people then you would take it on. That is something we can all take on with our lives. Serve with faithfulness, our people, our families and all of humanity. 

"I thank the Bahai Faith for the service to celebrate the Head of State. I pray that God continues to shine his light on the Bahai Faith and all the faiths in Samoa." 

Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale also stood up to talk about the late Head of State.

"I had my tattoo done, and I was with the Malietoa. I pulled up my lavalava because I wanted the old man to see it. There is one single word to describe him. He was humble." he said. 

"He looked at my tattoo and he said, Oi talofa e, I have a pe'a mutu. My tattoo isn't done. 

"For a man to admit that in Samoa, it shows true humility. He told me that his father had organised for the tattooist. He was scared. He told me that the first strike on his back, he got up and took off. 

"So, he showed me the spot on his back. When a tattoo is broken it is disgraceful to Samoan families. But his humility allowed him to tell me that story. He also asked me to share this story with anyone. If people were as humble as he was, this world would be in a much better place."

Tuatagaloa also wished To'oa safe travels when she returns to her homeland. 

Professor Leasiolagi Meleisea said this was a historical event because the Head of State's vision. 

"We are present here, and those who have accepted Baha'u'llah. Every religion in the world has a history. Some nice some not so nice. Some violent, some peaceful. The message of the Bahai Faith, of one world, and one citizenry is a message we should all embrace," he said.