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Half-mast proclaimed for the late Dr. Pretrick

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): May 31, 2006 - President Joseph J. Urusemal has issued a Proclamation for a four day half-mast display of the flag of the Federated States of Micronesia to honor the late Dr. Eliuel K. Pretrick.

Dr. Pretrick died on Tuesday - May 30 at the Pohnpei State Hospital. He is survived by his wife Kesia, eight children, over 40 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Dr. Pretrick was 75.

The proclamation in its entirety is as follows:

Presidential Proclamation

WHEREAS, Dr. Pretrick was called to his eternal rest on May 30, 2006.

WHEREAS, Dr. Pretrick served both the State of Pohnpei and the National Government as a public servant for over fifty years, as a former Secretary of the FSM Department of Health, Education and Social Affairs, Member of Congress of Micronesia, Member of the Micronesia Medical Association, President of the FSM Olympic Committee and most recently as the Medical Director for the FSM Bioterrorism Program;

WHEREAS, Dr. Pretrick has devoted a greater part of his life in serving the Micronesian public in areas of health, education and social affairs, and in further creating national advisory councils dealing with the welfare of infants, children, youth, women and disabled persons;

WHEREAS, Dr. Pretrick was also an ordained minister at the United Church of Christ in Pohnpei, as well as a traditional leader in his community;

WHEREAS, this proclamation bears the condolences of the entire nation and its people to the family and friends of the late Dr. Pretrick;

NOW THEREFORE, I, President Joseph J. Urusemal, by the power vested in me by the laws and regulations of the Federated States of Micronesia, hereby proclaim a national period of mourning of four consecutive days commencing on May 31, 2006 during which the flag of the Federated States of Micronesia shall be displayed at half-mast.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand hereto this 30th day of May, 2006.

signed
Joseph J. Urusemal
President

For further information please contact:

FSM Office of the President
Public Information: Press, Radio, Video
P.O Box 34
Palikir Station, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Tel.: (691) 320-2548/2092
Fax.: (691) 320-4356
e-mail: fsmpio@mail.fm
http://www.fsmpio.fm/