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Today in Micronesia, it is November 26, 2020. Although not an official holiday, schools and most government offices will be heading home after lunch. Thanksgiving is one of those very useful practices we inherited from the Americans. Anytime off with family is a great time, for me and for many people I am sure.
What can we be grateful for today? So many things. How about the fact that we are simply alive? That's always a plus for me. But, as Micronesians, we truly do have more than enough to be grateful for. Allow me to list and express my gratitude.
We are no longer under the rule of another nation. The younger Micronesians do not understand this. I don't understand this, too much either. My father was born under Japanese rule, his Father born under German rule and I was born when Micronesia was still a strategic Trust Territory of the UN, administered by the US. Our children are born today under the flag of their own country, whether it be the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
While we are born under our own flag, we are allies with the most powerful country in the world, the USA. Our compact of free association allows for unique benefits that we should all be extremely grateful for. We have unrestricted immigration access to the US and her territories, we have economic assistance to our governments, we have federal assistance and our men and women have been able to serve, learn and lead in the greatest military force this world has known. Much to be grateful for here.
Even though our islands are remote and our population is hovering at around 100,000, we live a good life. There are no homeless people on the streets, crime is low, weather is tropical. Public schools are provided, our College of Micronesia offers associates and very soon a second bachelor's degree program. Our diplomatic relations offer scholarships for our children to apply in places like Fiji, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today on this Thanksgiving Day, as the world continues in a COVID-19 pandemic, we in the Micronesian countries of FSM and Palau continue to be COVID-19 free. While our cousins in the RMI have positive cases, there is no community transmission and they are doing well. This is the greatest cause for thanksgiving I can think of during this very eventful year of 2020. Grateful to be in Micronesia, a Micronesian. Happy Thanksgiving.
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