SOKEHS, Pohnpei — November 11, 2025 — President Wesley W. Simina delivered remarks today at the Veterans Day commemoration hosted by the US Veterans Of Pohnpei Association at AA Getaway in Pohnpei. The ceremony brought together veterans, their families, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps to honor the service and sacrifice of FSM citizens who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
President Simina noted that Veterans Day is a solemn moment for the nation to reflect on the courage, dedication, and resilience of Micronesians in uniform, and to acknowledge their contributions to peace and security both at home and abroad. He emphasized that the service of FSM veterans reflects the strength and unity of the nation.
In his remarks, the President expressed deep appreciation to veterans and their families, recognizing both the visible sacrifices made during service and the silent sacrifices endured at home.
“Thank you for your courage, for your sacrifices, and for the example you have set for all of us,” said President Simina. “You have manifested pride to your families, your communities, and to our nation.”
President Simina highlighted several ongoing initiatives of the FSM Government to support veterans, including:
• Reviewing measures to waive the five-year citizenship residency requirement for veterans who renounced their FSM citizenship in connection with U.S. military service.
• Working with MiCare on a veteran-specific healthcare plan in the absence of a VA presence in the FSM.
• Supporting efforts that resulted in provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026 requiring the VA to provide services to citizens of Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations, including Telehealth, Mail Order Pharmacy, and Beneficiary Travel.
The President reaffirmed that the FSM Office of Veterans Affairs, the FSM Embassy in Washington, D.C., and advocacy partners continue to work to expand and strengthen support systems for FSM veterans.
The President concluded by calling on all citizens to continue honoring veterans not only through words, but through actions that uphold unity, peace, and the values they served to protect.
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