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FSM Participates in Memorial Day to Honor its Fallen Heroes

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 10, 2011 - On Friday May 31, 2011 dignitaries and officials of the Federated States of Micronesia congregated at the Pohnpei International Airport to observe this year's U.S. Memorial Day ceremony, organized by the Embassy of the United States of America in collaboration with Office of the Governor of the State of Pohnpei, the Pohnpei Port Authority, the National Government and the FSM Veterans' Association. The ceremony was held to commemorate and honor citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia who have passed away while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Among the dignitaries in attendance were President Manny Mori, Vice-President Alik L. Alik, Speaker Isaac V. Figir, Governor John Ehsa of Pohnpei State, Speaker Nelson Pelep of Pohnpei State Legislature, members of the resident Diplomatic Corps., and other national, state and municipal officials. Also in attendance were members of the FSM Veterans Association, and most notably, families and friends of the fallen brave soldiers.

In representing the people and Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jane Chigiyal delivered a statement on the occasion. In her statement, she affirmed that Memorial Day events are an important part of the country's bilateral engagements with the United States of America, as they represent an opportunity for the country to honor and remember all of its citizens who passed away while in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. She also identified that since September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States of America, 16 of the sons and daughters of the country have died while in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Towards this end, Deputy Secretary Chigiyal re-committed the FSM's unwavering support to the pursuit of peace and security.

This year's ceremony was unique as it involved the unveiling of portraits of 9 FSM citizens who have passed away in combat zones while serving in Iraq, Kuwait, or Afghanistan. The 9 soldiers were SGT Skipper Soram, SSG Steven G. Bayow, SPC Derence W. Jack, PFC Henry Paul, SGT Iosiwo Uruo, Nation Guard Cwislyn K. Walter, SGT Youvert Loney, SPC Eric M. Finniginam, and SSG Jerome Firtamag.

The unveiling of the portraits was done by family members and family-designated government officials, which included Speaker Isaac V. Figir and Governor John Ehsa.

Deputy Secretary Chigiyal concluded her statements by thanking Ambassador Peter Prahar and the U.S. Embassy staff for sponsoring the event and Governor John Ehsa, in particular, Pohnpei Port Authority, for availing the Pohnpei International Airport as the site for this 2011 Memorial Day.