Vice President Palik Honors Veterans alongside U.S Ambassador Johnson

Kolonia, Pohnpei — On November 11, 2023 The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), attended and gave the keynote address during the FSM Veteran’s day celebration and commemoration at the Pohnpei State Public Gymnasium in Dolonier Nett. Veteran’s Day is a legal holiday observed by the FSM national government. “Today is a special day for the citizens and friends of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is a day that the FSM Government has set aside for us, as a grateful Nation, to remember and honor our veterans,” Vice President Palik said. “We must as a Nation take time, on a yearly basis, to honor our citizens, most of whom, in the prime of their lives, has fought in foreign wars to protect our peace and freedom. In doing so, they have enabled us to continue to enjoy our ways of life as a democratic Micronesian society. Many of our veterans are now at the dusk of their lives; some have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” Vice President Palik went also thanked the veteran associations in Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap for their continued engagement and looking after the veterans and their needs. The Simina-Palik administration is fully committed to supporting the welfare of veterans in the FSM intends to utilize the established Office of Veteran Affairs under the Office of the President. The 23rd FSM Congress has approved funding for the office and the recruitment of the Director for the Office of Veterans Affairs is currently on-going. Other speakers during the event included the H.E. Jennifer Johnson, U.S Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia and Acting President of the Pohnpei Veteran Affairs Mrs. Canita Nakamura. The event was attended by veterans from both the U.S. and FSM who are residing in Pohnpei along with their families and friends.