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US Embassy sponsors official Memorial Day observance in FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 30, 2002 - On Monday May 27, 2002, the United States Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia held services at Ambassador Larry M. Dinger's residence in observance of Memorial Day 2002.

The services represent the first time the US Embassy officially hosted an observance of Memorial Day in the FSM. The Embassy had invited members of the local community to participate in the services alongside all US citizens and military veterans residing in Pohnpei.

Ambassador Dinger welcomed the gathering and expressed appreciation for the impressive turnout. He reflected on the value of Memorial Day as a time where families get together and "fondly recall those who made a difference in our lives and have now passed on."

It is a day to "honor those who gave their lives in freedom's cause," said the Ambassador.

Along with the Ambassador's address, the Observance services included Presentation of Colors by the US Navy's Civic Action Team (CAT team) and Presentation of Wreaths by the Ambassador, CAT team Officer in Charge, Lieutenant Junior Grade Chan Cavanh, and FSM's own - Major Frank Semens who had served in the U.S. Army.

Memorial Day in the U.S. is a day to observe and honor American Soldiers who gave their lives to defend and protect their country. . It was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

Today, Memorial Day is a national holiday to honor those who died in all United States military actions, with its official observance held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

It has become customary in the U.S. for the President or Vice-President to give a speech honoring the contributions of those who sacrificed their lives for their country and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.