The Samoan Prime Minister's office today announced the passing of the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, who died on 11 May at age 94. His 45 year reign had made him one of the world's longest-serving living monarchs.
As mentioned by Television New Zealand in its report on Malietoa's passing, he was well known as a follower of the Baha'i Faith.
Barney Leith's blog recalls Malietoa's visit to London in 1976, where he paid respects at the grave of the late Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi.
As an 11 year old school pupil, I marched with my school in Samoa's annual independence day parade. Malietoa stood at attention on a reviewing stand in front of the Parliament Building, in the tropical sun, acknowledging troop after troop of marchers who passed by. I think of this when I read the media obituaries praising his record as a pivot of unity for his country, through wisdom and humility.
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