Photo by Richard Brooks
Palau enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display and cultural show on the night of October 1 in celebration of its 23rd Independence Day.
Activities started on Friday and will last until Monday with boat races. The 45-minute fireworks display was the highlight of the celebration with cars and merrymakers trooping to the Capitol building and Babeldaob to choose a spot to watch the fireworks.
Palau President Remengesau in remarks during the celebration, said Palau’s partnership with nations around the world helps to strengthen the island nation’s development.
“The Palauan Way is a system of sharing and respect. So today, in recognition of the fact that our independence is only as strong as the support that we give to it, and the partnership that we gain as we grow and prosper, we would like to take a brief moment to express our appreciation and thanks to Palau’s friends, who have so generously supported our efforts and contributed to Palau’s political and economic development,” Remengesau said.
The president also trumpeted Palau’s achievement from the time of its independence including declaring 80 percent of the country’s waters as a national marine sanctuary, and improvements in the energy, telecommunication and tourism sectors.
Remengesau also reaffirmed Palau’s relationship with the United States and took the occasion to reiterate that it is standing behind America in its condemnation of North Korea’s threat to Guam and the Pacific Region.
“We thank the United States of America for its constant protection of our country, our region and of the world and stand beside her in her efforts to limit provocative actions by North Korea on our neighbor Guam and the entire Pacific Region,” Remengesau stated. The president also continued to stress that the foundation of Palau’s development is to remain a caring government that is responsive to the needs of its people.
Festivities continue Monday, a declared holiday in Palau.