The legislation was Congressional Act No. 16-28, which was the very first measure that came out of the 16th FSM Congress and was submitted by the chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations, Sen. Peter Sitan.
In the president’s transmittal letter to the FSM Congress, Mori states that, “Every nation requires a national holiday to reflect upon its cultural and traditional heritage and uniqueness” and that “the Federated States of Micronesia is no exception.”
He noted that this legislation was done through a concession from state leaderships to have such a proposed national holiday.
“It is said that in time of adversity and instability, cultural values and identity play a major role in unity and security,” Mori said.
In addition to fully supporting the bill with his signature to make it law, he also suggested that the national government consider funding the yearly festivities that will be anticipated on this day, and to propose holiday rate compensation for those national employees that will be required to work on this holiday.
