NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE BY
H.E. MR. JOSEPH J. URUSEMAL
PRESIDENT
THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
Palikir, November 3, 2004
My Fellow citizens,
November 3rd is the National Day for the Federated States of Micronesia.
It is on this day, in 1986, that the Federated States of Micronesia reclaimed its birthright, as the proud guardian of its own Destiny.
It is on this day, in 1986, after over four hundred years of foreign rules and domination, that the Federated States of Micronesia gained independence as a Sovereign Nation.
Today, we mark 18 years of celebrating freedom and independence in the Federated States of Micronesia. Therefore, as we go about our individual traditions of commemorating this significant day in our nation, I ask each and everyone to renew our commitment to better our nation.
Our Founding Fathers understood that our strength as one nation lies in our unity as one people. They were unwavering in their determination to secure our independence by uniting our widely scattered islands. Their perseverance during a time of great uncertainty continues to be a source of encouragement for me. As we celebrate our independence, I ask that we keep to our hear the inspiration that guided the genesis of the Federated States of Micronesia.
"We the people, exercising our inherent sovereignty [...] affirm our common wish to live together in peace and harmony, to preserve the heritage of the past, and protect the promise of the future.
To make one nation of many islands, we respect the diversity of our cultures. Our differences enrich us. They seas bring us together, they do not separate us. Our islands sustain us, our island nation enlarges us and makes us stronger.
Our ancestors, who made their homes on these islands, displaced no other people. We, who remain, wish no other home than this. Having known war, we hope for peace. Having been divided, we wish unity. Having been ruled, we seek freedom [...] we, who have been the wards of other nations, become the proud guardians of our own islands, now and forever."
Vice President Killion and both our families, joins me in wishing everyone happy Independence Day and may God bless the Federated States of Micronesia.
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