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Ceremony to Honor the late President Tosiwo Nakayama

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): November 30, 2010 - By 10 am that morning of Tuesday, November 23, 2010, the ceremony was ready to begin as scheduled at the Chuuk National Supreme Court, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The ceremony was to unveil the First Day Commemorative Stamp Issue, honoring the late President Nakayama and his historic legacy. Most of the invited speakers had already taken their seats on the stage, except Governor Wesly Simina who had to meet with the Committee to Wait on the Governor, from the Chuuk State Legislature, commencing its session on that same day.

As soon as Governor Simina arrived at the venue, the MC opened the ceremony by explaining its purpose, and by calling on the Rev. Diophin Ikea, a Catholic priest, to say the opening prayer. He was followed by Postmaster General, Mideon Neth, who introduced the guest speakers and some of the important personalities in the audience, after alluding to the importance of the occasion: paying tribute to the first FSM President and the most prominent of the FSM "founding fathers", and honoring his accomplishments during the 8 years he was in office from 1979 to 1978.

to the importance of the occasion which recognizes the legacy of the first President of our Nation.

Governor Simina welcomed everyone to the event particularly those who had to fly to Chuuk to participate in the special occasion. He also testified

Mr. Tosiwo Nakayama, Jr., the oldest of President Nakayama's sons, represented the family at the event, and spoke on their behalf. He thanked the FSM Government, in particular the FSM Post Office, for planning and organizing the special event to honor the late President. He said it was the happiest day in the family's life and that he was very appreciative and happy the day his family had been hoping for, had finally arrived.

Chief of Staff Kasio Mida, representing President Mori who could not be at the event due to prior commitments, spoke on the important accomplishments of President Nakayama, in particular on his leadership in spearheading the islands' move toward self-government, in providing direction and guidance to the Micronesian team negotiating the Compact of Free Association, and in holding together the Nation during the early years when there were many doubters as to the wisdom of a nation of 4 states that are so different culturally, socially, and economically.

Mr. Mida, who is one of the few senior staff in Mori's administration, was with President Nakayama from the very beginning of the new Nation and Government, as Personnel Officer from 1979-1983, Senior Special Assistant to the President from 1983-85, and finally as the first FSM Consul General in Hawaii from 1986-2003.

As if Mother Nature was fully in support of the event, the weather cooperated beautifully. It was a clear, blue sky that the islands are so famous for. It was indeed a special occasion that made everyone who witnessed the event, happy and satisfied.