Marshall Islands Constitution Day

Marshall Islands Constitution Day

May 1

In 1943, during World War II, the Allied forces—the United States, Britain, France, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, and Yugoslavia—invaded the Marshall Islands. By 1944, the Allied forces occupied the Marshall Islands. At the end of World War II, the United States was given effective power in the Marshall Islands. Throughout their occupation, the United States conducted nuclear weapons testing on the islands ( see also Marshall Islands Memorial and Nuclear Victims Day ).
On May 1, 1979, the Marshall Islands constitution was signed, establishing it as a self-governing country. In 1982, the Marshall Islands officially changed its name to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Constitution Day is a public holiday in the Marshall Islands. On this day of celebration, people gather together for a parade to commemorate their independence. Also as part of the celebration, field-day contests are held between all private and public schools, entities within the community itself, and more. Some of these contests include basketball, women's softball, men's baseball, volleyball, soccer, tug-of-war, and various track-and-field events.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
2433 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-234-5414; fax: 202-232-3236
www.rmiembassyus.org

Celebration day: May 1