Six Marshallese pallbearers carried the casket of Iroojlaplap Christopher Jorebon Loeak into historic Central Union Church in Honolulu, where a memorial service was held last Saturday for the former President. Hundreds of Marshallese packed the church for the service, including current President Hilda Heine and First Gentleman Tommy Kijiner, Jr.
The remains of the late President accompanied by his family members were expected to return to Majuro Thursday this week on charter flight funded by the Taiwan government.
The flight is expected to arrive Majuro at 12:30pm Thursday and the state funeral will be held the same afternoon at the UCC Uliga Church due to the fire destroying the Nitijela Chamber, where state funerals normally take place.
Son and Nitijela Member Bruce Loeak told the Journal Wednesday, the plan is to move his father’s casket to the family residence in Blue Lagoon Thursday evening and the funeral will proceed for the next several days.
The further plan is for burial at Ailinglaplap Atoll, with departure from Majuro possible as early as this Saturday but in any event “no later than Monday,” according to Bruce.