On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 7:00 AM, the Hon. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended the U.S. Veterans of Pohnpei (USVP) Fun Run opening ceremony at the Kolonia Town Gym. Governor Oliver was the keynote speaker for this all-day event that included a Fun Run/Walk, classes and games for youth, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pohnpei International Airport’s FSM Veterans Memorial, and a live band, to commemorate and celebrate FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.
In his remarks, Governor Oliver recounted the evolution of the holiday, from Armistice Day on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November) in 1918 to mark the end of World War I, to the establishment of Veterans Day in the U.S. by President Eisenhower in 1954, and the formation of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day by FSM Congress through Public Law 13-38 on June 23, 2004. He thanked the Officers of the USVP, President Kavika Edwin Duff, Vice President Strick Richardo, Secretary Richard Porter, Treasurer Merins Hadley Race, and Public Awareness Officer, Johnny Musrasrik for their efforts in organizing this important event.
Governor Oliver expressed his sincere thanks to all “Veterans and family members, who gave their best and sacrificed their lives for the cause of World Peace, Freedom and Security”. He went on to recognize notable Veterans from Pohnpei including His Majesty Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, Herbert Hebel, former Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. Marcelo Peterson who was present, Mayor of Kolonia Town Hon. Beterigo Jacob, FSM President’s Chief of Staff and Chief Compact Negotiator, Leo Falcam, Jr., and former Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Benito Cantero among many others. He concluded his remarks and once again expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this important occasion of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day with everyone “in the name of Peace and Security of everyone around the world.”
Governor Oliver also joined the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kandhi Elieisar, U.S. Embassy Kolonia Charge d’Affaires Ms. Somer Bessiere-Briers, Pohnpei State Senator Hon. Helgena Johnson and Gold Star Families to lay wreaths at the Pohnpei International Airports FSM Veterans Memorial.
