Heine: Everyone ‘pull their weight’

The 39th anniversary of Constitution Day Tuesday brought out hundreds of residents for a parade to the capital building area, where the official ceremony was held. Numerous sports events highlighted the day. Photo: Hilary Hosia.
The 39th anniversary of Constitution Day Tuesday brought out hundreds of residents for a parade to the capital building area, where the official ceremony was held. Numerous sports events highlighted the day. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

Under the theme “Bujen Tak,” the Marshall Islands celebrated the 39th anniversary of constitutional government Tuesday. The motto translates as “goals people set for themselves and make every effort to achieve.”

President Hilda Heine delivered remarks, saying everyone needs to “pull their weight” to achieve important goals for the nation. The government went through many hardships to get where it is today, and the nation should appreciate its progress since its formation in 1979, the President said. She encouraged people to be “patient and determined” as they have been since the beginning of constitutional government.

The day included a well-attended parade, a float parade, and numerous competitions, including dancing and running events. Marshall Islands Red Cross Society volunteers were on hand and managed the one case of heat exhaustion that happened during the formal program.

The One Island, One Product program developed a year ago by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce was on display with many islands showcasing their locally produced goods.

See more more photos in the May 4, 2018 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.