Palau joins July 4 celebration

United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mark Bezner led the celebration held at Camp Katuu in Airai.President Remengesau and Vice President Elias Camsek Chin graced the festivity with other Cabinet members and lawmakers attending the event.Bezner in his remarks said that it is a pleasure for him to celebrate Independence Day in Palau.“ I am proud of the fact that my country promotes freedom and democracy for all peoples  of  the world. I am especially proud of the role that my country played in Palau’s decision 13 years ago to become independent and join the United States in the great experiment,” Bezner said.Chin for his part said that Palau is proud to have the same rights and democracy that the U.S. is enjoying.“The Republic of Palau is also proud to have those same rights enshrined within its Constitution. Equality, individual rights, freedom, opportunity: these are the common bonds that tie all democracies together,” Chin said.He added that the democratic principles have formed the basis of the friendship between the two countries.“These principles have formed the basis of the friendship between Palau and the United States for more than 60 years now, and it is these principles that will ensure that we maintain our friendship over the next century,” Chin said.Chin then offered a toast in celebration of the event. After the short ceremony the guests enjoyed a feast of hotdogs and hamburgers.