MESSAGE BY
His Excellency Manny Mori
President
Federated States of Micronesia
On the Occasion of the Constitution Day
Of the Federated States of Micronesia

May 10, 2008

My Fellow Citizens,

On this 29th Anniversary of our Constitution, Vice President Alik and I would like to extend to each and every one of you citizens living through-out the Nation and abroad, warm greetings and a pleasant and joyous Constitution Day.

On this occasion we also like to pay special tribute to our forefathers, as well as our traditional and community leaders, who over the years have been our Nation’s source of wisdom and guidance.

In commemorating this anniversary, we extend the same festive sentiments to our friends and development partners who have been steadfast in support of our development efforts.

Twenty nine years ago, some simple men pledged to be bound by these principles of democracy enshrined in our Constitution. Our generation today wishes no difference as we continue to look upon the Constitution as the bedrock upon which we derive our sense of who we are as a people and what we will become as a Nation. Today, more than ever, this Constitution remains true and relevant, affording us as fellow Micronesians every reason and opportunity to stand proud and free as equals among Nations and people through out the World.

It is, therefore, fitting that on this occasion we exercise our inherent sovereignty as expressed and reaffirmed by this Constitution. I call upon you my fellow citizens across the Federation, to reaffirm our desire to uphold the Constitution of the Land, to respect the rule of law, to have the highest regard for human dignity, and to remain true and forever guardians of these islands. We proudly inherit the awesome responsibility of extending to others what we seek from them - peace, friendship, cooperation, and love of our common humanity.

In a few days, I will appear before the 15th Congress of this Federation to report on our collective progress as well our common course set for our way forward. As one serving at the helm of this proud Nation, I will pledge to you my fellow citizens, now and again as I have done from the beginning of my Administration that I will always endeavor to do what is right with the Constitution as my source of guidance.

Congratulations to all of us on this significant day. May God bless each and every one of you and May He bless this Great Nation.