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| Flags at FSM Capitol at half-mast on January 24 |
FSMIS (January 24, 2014): Federated State of Micronesia
President Manny Mori proclaimed on January 22 that a three consecutive days
mourning period from January 24 to January 26 will be observed in honor of the
late Ritis K. Heldart, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Chuuk.
The late Honorable Ritis K. Heldart was called to his eternal
rest on January 4, 2014, in the United States where he was on medical referral.
Among a number of civil duties, the late Honorable Heldart
was elected a delegate to the FSM Constitutional Convention in 1990
representing Chuuk State. He later became the Vice Consul General at the FSM
Consulate Office in the Territory of Guam. He recently became the Lieutenant
Governor of Chuuk State in 2011.
"...the late Honorable Ritis Ko Heldart had over thirty
years of dedicated public service and has earned the respect of the leaders and
people of Chuuk. He is affectionately remembered as a notable leader and public
official."
"...this Proclamation carries the heartfelt condolences
of the people of the entire Nation to the family, relatives and friends of the
late Honorable Ritis K. Heldart, as we all join them in bereaving the loss of
our countryman."
The FSM Congress adopted Resolution No. 18-109 on January 22,
"expressing the sadness and condolences of the Eighteenth Congress of the
Federated States of Micronesia", introduced by the Chuuk Delegation.
A state of mourning in Chuuk, declared by Governor Johnson
Elimo, has been in effect since January 4.
The remain of the departed Honorable is expected to be
received in Chuuk on January 24.
One of my island’s (Nema) most honorable countrymen has been put to rest since the given date. He had invested in the lives of so many, not only was he a very humble man, but a well-respected great leader. I hope and pray that one day the lives of those he reached and invested in will in return walk down the same path he paved and lead where he left off. I had the opportunity to have a lunch meeting with him and his wife (my first cousin) and enjoyed every moment of our time. He gave great encouragement, counsel, advised me in the field of my chosen studies and showed a good example. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in education and God willing when I do graduate I have set my goal and envisioned Micronesia as my location in the near future. I praise and thank our heavenly father for allowing the late Honorable Ritis K. Heldart to serve his country and I thank you late Honorable Ritis K. Heldart for choosing to love God, family and serving your fellow islanders before self. Who amongst you my fellow Nemanians would raise their hand, take a stand and walk down the already paved road? We need courageous men with integrity.
ReplyDeleteIn Loving memory of the late Honorable Ritis K Heldart
“You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten”
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.