On behalf of the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. David W. Panuelo, and the staff at our Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, I am privileged to join all our countrymen and women as we celebrate today. You made our independence possible. Even as this year’s celebrations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Micronesians stand in solidarity as we face these challenging times together. From Kosrae to the east, and Yap to the west and in true spirit of our national anthem, Patriots of Micronesia, “…we all work together with hearts, voice and hands till we have made these islands another promise land.”

On this auspicious occasion as Micronesians celebrate our 34th Independence Day, we should not lose sight of our nation’s long journey towards self-governance. As Micronesia’s representative to the United Nations, I am proud to count the United Nations among others that occupy a special place in our journey. The historical significance in our ties to the United Nations, from the days of a strategic Trust Territory to our eventual membership in the United Nations in 1991, both in shared principles, values, commitments and political history, paved the way for the rest of the world to acknowledge the legitimacy of our independence. Our citizens can point to the long and tangible involvement and encouragement from the United Nations throughout the entire period of the United Nations Charter’s existence.

I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our forefathers who had the foresight and wisdom to make the aims of our United Nation membership a lived reality. Many have gone to their eternal rest and all are deserving of our admiration and gratitude. May our celebration today, and future celebrations honor their memories by recommitting to the values and goals they upheld in their quest to attain Micronesia’s rightful place in the United Nation as a sovereign and equal member of the international community.

As we continue our nation building journey, I would like also to urge our fellow countrymen and women who have chosen to live elsewhere across the globe to join us. As our national anthem goes: “Full Measure of devotion to thee our native land.” Let’s work together, hand in hand, in building our country and consolidating the best of our young democracy.

Happy 34th Independence and God bless the Federated States of Micronesia.