Pohnpei Liberation Day
Observed as an official holiday in Pohnpei in Micronesia, Pohnpei Liberation Day commemorates the liberation of the Micronesian State from the occupation of the Japanese on September 11th, 1945. The Japanese had occupied the islands from World War I through WWII, so it’s an important day for the people of this island country.
Micronesia (Local holiday) This day is a public holiday, so people have the day off and most schools and businesses are closed. It’s also a day that has a wide number of different activities that are celebrated. These include flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, political speeches, sporting events, and other such activities.
The History Of Pohnpei Liberation Day
During World War I, the Japanese invaded and permanently occupied the Caroline Islands. When Germany was defeated during that war, the League of Nations gave Japan a mandate over the islands. The island would remain in Japan’s possession over the next couple of decades. During WWII, they would build a fortified base t Truk Lagoon (modern-day Chuuk) and use it for their base of operations in the South Pacific Theater.
On September 2nd, 1945, Imperial Japan surrendered, but not all of the islands were immediately liberated. The Micronesia states of Kosrae and Chuuk were liberated on September 8th and September 23rd, respectively. Pohnpei was liberation on September 11, 1945. And it’s this date that this holiday commemorates each and every year.
Observing Pohnpei Liberation Day
This is a holiday that’s widely observed in Pohnpei with a number of different events. There are parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks. There are also sports competitions in all of the municipalities of the State.
Some of the sporting events that can be observed include boxing, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, table tennis, soccer, and lawn tennis. It’s also a day for people to get together and enjoy meals with loved ones.
Micronesia (Local holiday) 
