The event was held in the central conference room at the national government complex in Palikir and the ceremony was presided over by Jane Chigiyal, assistant secretary of FSM Department of Foreign Affairs.
In attendance were Vice President Alik Alik, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Miriam K. Hughes, Australian Ambassador Susan Cox, acting Pohnpei Gov. Churchill Edward, along with veterans, acting service men and women and their friends and family.
Alik told the crowd that “the government has long realized the valuable contributions that our veterans and active service members have played at home, in our relations with the U.S. and the world at large, especially in the coalition’s fight against terrorism.”
He went on to say that “we are humbled by your sacrifice to leave your family and home,” and “we are also indebted to your families for their own sacrifices.”
He highlighted a significant event in the bilateral relations with the U.S. in the recognition by insular area governments to “accord more attention to caring for America’s military heroes as discussed in the recently concluded Future of Health Care in the Insular Areas at the Leaders Summit held in Hawaii in September.”
According to Alik, “The FSM government will pursue the decisions made at the summit to ensure that our veterans and active duty service members are not left behind.”
U.S. Ambassador Hughes recognized veterans as “extraordinary Americans and Micronesians” and told the audience over a live radio broadcast that “the legions of men and women in the armed forces, who have worked side by side like family and put their lives on the line for humanity, our partners in peace and progress, have earned our profound respect and gratitude.”
Following the remarks by Hughes, retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Frank M. Semens, president of the FSM Veterans Association, took the podium but due to laryngitis was unable to offer his speech.
He was, however, able to join Edward in signing an MOU in which Pohnpei dedicated a state building in Nett to the FSM Veterans Association to use as their headquarters for veterans’ activities.
Alik commended Pohnpei for taking this initiative and has hope that other states will follow their example.
After the closing remarks, Gary Bloom from the U.S. Embassy was on hand to assist veterans on registering for benefits and to provide other necessary information.
