President Wesley W. Simina
Independence Day Speech
FSM Independence Day event in Guam
Independence Day Speech
FSM Independence Day event in Guam
My fellow citizens,
I’d like to invite you to take a walk through history with me. I want you to imagine what it must have been like in the years, the months and the days, leading up to November 3rd, 1986. A day that would go down in history.
When I think of what those times must have been like, for our leaders, for our people, who were navigating the complexities of forging a national identity and a triumphant transition – I cannot help but be filled with an immense sense of gratitude and pride.
Gratitude because, how blessed are we, that we, and our children, and our children’s children, have a rightful place in this world, that we can forever call our home.
Pride, because, despite all the odds stacked against them, our forefathers saw what no one else saw, and triumphantly paddled us to self-determination.
Imagine, the audacity of them, to look at hundreds of scattered islands across the vast ocean, and not see division, but see unity.
Imagine, the courage it took, to stand in the face of colonial powers, and not choose continued dependency, but choose independence.
Imagine, the vision they had, when they looked at four distinct island groups with our own unique characteristics, and did not see our diversity as a weakness, but as our strength.
And that ladies and gentlemen, is what is what today is all about.
Today we celebrate the giants of whose shoulders we stand upon.
Today we celebrate the heroes and the matriarchs that made us who we are today.
Today we remember people like Tosiwo Nakayama, John Mangefel, Bailey Olter and Leo Falcam.
Today we pay tribute to them and their families, because we recognize that as a Micronesian people, we are only able to accomplish anything through the support of community and family.
Today we give thanks to our Heavenly Father, for blessing our journey as a people.
Our history, much like the vast and unpredictable seas that surround us, has been a voyage filled with challenges, but it is the resilience and unwavering determination of our people that have steered us through turbulent waters. Our ancestors were masterful navigators, using the stars, the wind, and their deep knowledge of the ocean to guide them to new horizons. In much the same way, we, the people of the Federated States of Micronesia, have shown remarkable skill in navigating the often complex and unpredictable currents of history. Our journey towards independence was not just about breaking free from colonial rule; it was about affirming our identity as a unique nation in the Pacific.
Just as a navigator relies on a steadfast star to chart their course, our shared values and commitment to unity have been our guiding stars. The principles of democracy, freedom, and self-determination have been the North Star that has led us through the stormy seas of colonization and towards the peaceful shores of independence.
Today, as we stand on the deck of our nation, we can see the vast expanse of opportunities that lie ahead. The horizon is boundless, and we, the crew of this great ship called the Federated States of Micronesia, are ready to sail into the future. And it is my honor to stand at the helm, as your President.
As we celebrate our Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to preserving the unique cultures and traditions that make us who we are. Our cultural heritage is the anchor that keeps us grounded, reminding us of our roots and guiding us through the uncertainties of the modern world.
In the spirit of our seafaring ancestors, let us embrace unity and cooperation among our four states—Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Just as different stars guide us through the night, our states are unique, yet they shine together to light our path.
Happy Independence Day! May God bless us all, and may God bless the Federated States of Micronesia.
