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Pohnpei State holds 27^th annual Cultural Day along with the 1^st FSM Culture & Traditions Day

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): April 7, 2010 - On Wednesday, March 31, 2010, Pohnpei State held it 27^th annual Cultural Day Celebration in conjunction with the first FSM Culture & Traditions Day, the newest FSM national holiday. The event took place at the Pohnpei State Sports and Recreation center near the Botanical Garden in Doaroapoap, Nett. The theme for this year's celebration was "Take Pride in the Splendor of our Unique Identity".

The day's events included floats and cultural presentations, a presentation of essays from the Essay Contest winners, remarks from Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa, a keynote address from Dr. Rufino Mauricio, the Director of the FSM National Archives of Historic and Cultural Preservation, followed by the Pohnpei Traditional Leaders Decree given by His Royal Highness, Salvador Iriate, Iso Nahniken of Nett, lunch and then entertainments for the rest of the afternoon.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mauricio stated that he believes that each island of the FSM, as individual societal groups, have their own unique cultural traditions and practices that should be recognized and respected. Then he asked the crowd if they know what these traditions and practices are and the importance for having a Cultural and Traditions Day.

Dr Mauricio went on to explain that in Pohnpei, the term soar, translated as identity, has the connotation of something positive, a quality to be admired, respected and followed. He mentioned that the performing arts of the various island groups are often unique, meaningful, and very expressive of the charm and moods of the people of the FSM. He said that these performing arts identify who we are and informatively express the FSM's pleasant, generous, and welcoming characteristics, and noted that much of FSM's ancient histories are preserved in our chants that are performed in dances.

Finally, Dr. Mauricio gave his thanks to the President and to Congress for passing the recent law to create a new FSM National holiday for Culture and Traditions and congratulated Pohnpei State and the people of Pohnpei on the occasion of their 27^th Cultural Day.