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Mark your calendars for a special day of celebration on Commonwealth Covenant Day, which falls on the first Monday in October each year. This holiday has been observed since 1987 in honor of the unique relationship between the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The covenant, or agreement, between these two entities was established in 1952 and ensures that Puerto Ricans have equal rights as U.S. citizens while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. Let's take this opportunity to appreciate the rich history and heritage of Puerto Rico and its people, while also celebrating unity and diversity within our nation.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1521</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Landing of Magellan</div><div class='timeline-text'>Explorer Ferdinand Magellan lands on the island of Guam, marking the first contact between the residents of the Mariana Islands and the Western world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1668</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mission San Diego de Alcalá</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Catholic mission is established in the Mariana Islands by Spanish missionaries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spanish-American War</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spain cedes control of Guam to the United States following the Spanish-American War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>Northern Mariana Islands are placed under the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Covenant Approved</div><div class='timeline-text'>The residents of the Northern Mariana Islands vote to approve a Covenant to establish a Commonwealth with the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Covenant Implemented</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Covenant officially takes effect on November 3, marking the full incorporation of the Northern Mariana Islands into the United States, commemorated annually as Commonwealth Covenant Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local event or festival that celebrates the diversity and culture of the Commonwealth countries. This is a great way to learn more about the history and traditions of these nations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a Commonwealth-related charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take part in giving back to the Commonwealth community by volunteering for a charity or organization that supports causes and initiatives in these countries.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a potluck featuring Commonwealth dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together for a potluck where everyone brings a dish from a different Commonwealth country. This is a delicious way to celebrate the diversity and unity of these nations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a cultural exchange program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself in the culture of a Commonwealth country by participating in a cultural exchange program. This is a great way to learn firsthand about the customs and traditions of these nations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Commonwealth-themed art project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make an art project that represents the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth. This could be anything from a painting to a sculpture or even a performance piece.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates unity and diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Commonwealth Covenant Day is a holiday that brings together people from various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. It is a day to celebrate the unique contributions of all members of the community and promote understanding and acceptance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the values of the Commonwealth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Commonwealth is an organization that promotes democracy, human rights, and equality among its member countries. On Commonwealth Covenant Day, these values are celebrated and reinforced through various events and activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to reflect on our shared history and future</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, we remember the significance of the covenant made between the Commonwealth nations and reflect on our common goals for a better future. It serves as a reminder to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Numerous Micronesian cultures have coexisted for centuries</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being small in size, the Northern Mariana Islands have been home to a tapestry of diverse tribes and cultures over centuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The commonwealth status presents a unique form of government</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands provides a distinctive political structure, where it is both self-governing and under U.S. sovereignty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Commonwealth Covenant Day was once called Constitution Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before becoming known as Commonwealth Covenant Day, this holiday was initially celebrated as Constitution Day in the Northern Mariana Islands.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World War II significantly shaped the islands’ history</h3><p class='facts-content'>The strategic importance of the Northern Mariana Islands led to intense fighting during World War II, forever altering the landscape and population of the islands.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Northern Mariana Islands are of vital ecological significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>From unique habitats to endemic species, the Northern Mariana Islands offer rich biodiversity that continues to captivate ecologists and conservationists worldwide.</p></div></div>
Commonwealth Covenant Day is celebrated on March 24 every year. In 2024 Commonwealth Covenant Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Mar 24
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2024
Mar 24
Sunday
2025
Mar 24
Monday
2026
Mar 24
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Mar 24
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