In a special community service-themed devotional in Pago Pago on Sunday evening (30 October) leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognised the efforts over a quarter of a century of Veronica Mortensen and her family, in helping hundreds of American Samoans stay active and healthy.
Local leader of the Church, Sonny Aiono, recognised Veronica and the Mortensen family for their exemplary help to the community. Their dedicated service has provided Tae Bo teaching and training to the Samoan people to live better and healthier lives. Tae Bo is a total body fitness system that incorporates martial arts techniques.
Veronica Mortensen accepted the award on behalf of her family.
“I stand before you with humility and respect in behalf of my family to accept this award,” she said. “We thank you in recognizing and honouring our family with such high regard.”
She continued by observing, “In giving our service, we do not seek compensation. It’s a gift and talent from God. For this purpose we share the blessing to bless others.”
Veronica’s husband, Lealamua, and her children are her biggest supporters in setting up the sound system and cleaning up after each training session. The Mortensen children are now taking turns with their mother in teaching Tae Bo five days a week. Each of the classes is filled to capacity with 200 or more participants, both young and old. Many attend the classes aided by walkers or wheel chairs.
The award service was attended by over 100 people. A slide presentation about service given by the Mortensen family was highlighted, and a choir sang to enhance the spirit of the evening.
