KOROR, Palau — President of the United States Armed Forces Veterans Association (USAFVA)-Palau, Greg Ngirmang, shared updates on Veterans Day preparations during a talk show on Eco Paradise FM on November 7. Ngirmang expressed gratitude to the President of Palau for amendments made to the Compact of Free Association (COFA) during its renewal, which he said have benefited Palauan Veterans. Although he did not provide specifics, he mentioned a recent Zoom meeting with Washington representatives and thanked the President of Palau Community College for their support
Vice President Roman Yano highlighted existing benefits for Veterans, including the G.I. Bill for education. However, he emphasized the pressing need for medical care and services for Veterans in Palau. Yano noted that an advisory group from Hawaii visited Palau earlier this year, from January to March, to discuss Veterans benefits. He said further discussions are necessary to address ongoing challenges.
Ngirmang reported that 47 known Veterans are buried in Palau. To honor them, Palauan and American flags will be placed on their graves on Saturday, November 9. The community was encouraged to share the names and locations of Veterans’ graves by contacting Vice President Yano at 779-1516, President Ngirmang at 778-6188, or Joe Giramur at 776-6105. The Civic Action Team (CAT) will fabricate stands for the flags.
Flags will also be placed at three war memorial sites in Peleliu: Orange Beach (1st Army Infantry Division), Bloody Nose Ridge (Marines) and Kambek dock area. Both American and Palauan flags will be displayed at these locations to honor those who served.
Veterans Day celebrations will conclude with a barbecue at Koror Side on Sunday, November 10. Veterans, CAT members, and U.S. Embassy staff will gather to commemorate the day.
From all of us at Island Times, Happy Veterans Day to those who have served and continue to serve.
[By: Eustoria Marie Borja]