Clinton made the point when she was hosted for an ‘av’a ceremony during a visit to American Samoa on Sunday.
She was in the territory for 90-minutes en route to Washington D.C. following an Asia-Pacific trip.
Clinton was greeted by Gov. Togiola Tulafono and his wife Mary Ann Tulafono.
“I am deeply honored to be here today,” said Clinton in brief remarks before taking a sip from the ava cup. “I greatly appreciate the warm welcome that has been extended to me, on behalf of President Obama and the government of the United States and personally on behalf of my family.
“I have long wanted to visit and my only regret is that this stop over is not as long as I would have wanted.”
Samoan Affairs Secretary Tufele Li’amatua acknowledged the “wisdom of our forefathers” in ceding these islands more than 100 years ago to “the most powerful and greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.”
“Words fail to adequately express our joy, our gratitude and profound sense of privilege, for your gracing our shores for the first time,” Tufele said and pointed out that American Samoa’s sons and daughters continue to serve in the U.S. military.
In response, Clinton said, the “United States is both aware of and grateful for, our close relationship and our deep ties most evident by the long and noble history of sacrifice by the men and women of American Samoa” who are “members of our military serving with great distinction and honor.”
