Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Urusemal extends condolence to U.S.

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): June 15, 2004 – President Joseph J. Urusemal and members of his Cabinet signed at the United States Embassy in Kolonia, the Condolence Book for former United States President, Ronald Reagan.

The Embassy had opened its doors on June 10 2004, for U.S. and citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia alike to sign former President Reagan’s Condolence Book. The 40th President of the US, Reagan died on June 5 2004, at his Bel-Air home in California. He was 93.

On June 07, President Urusemal transmitted a letter of condolence to the White House conveying the heartfelt sympathy of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of President Ronald Wilson Reagan. President Reagan was very instrumental in the initial years of the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. We owe a great deal of gratitude to him for his leadership in nurturing the special relationship we have come to enjoy. His loss will not only be felt by the American people but the Micronesian people as well.

On behalf of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia I convey our heartfelt sympathies to the family and the American people for their great loss. Our prayers are with you during this period of mourning.

Sincerely
Joseph J. Urusemal
President”

In Office from 1981-1989, the late President Reagan has been referred to as the personification of the “indomitable optimism of the American people” and he kept the US at the forefront of “the fight for freedom for people everywhere.”

His role in ending of the global ‘Cold War’ is a testament to his dedication to the freedom and liberty of all citizens world-wide. Reagan championed four “Pillars of Freedom”: individual liberty, national pride, economic opportunity and global democracy.

Through these convictions, on November 13 1986, during his second term in Office, President Ronald Reagan signed the Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the US. The Compact agreement is the defining foundation of relations between the two countries.

Former President Reagan was laid to rest on Saturday – June 12, at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.