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Happy Marshall Islands Constitution Day on May 1! This day celebrates the adoption of the country's constitution in 1979, which established the Republic of the Marshall Islands as an independent nation. The constitution outlines principles such as democracy, human rights, and protection of natural resources, making it a significant document for the people of this island nation. Join in on the festivities and learn more about this beautiful country and its rich history. So grab your friends and family and let's celebrate together!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1526</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Recorded Visit</div><div class='timeline-text'>Alvaro de Saavedra, a Spanish explorer, makes his first recorded visit to the Marshall Islands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1885</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>German Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Germany established a protectorate over the Marshall Islands, beginning the era of European colonization.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World War II Liberation</div><div class='timeline-text'>US troops captured the Marshall Islands from Japan during World War II, leading to the establishment of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands by the United Nations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption of Constitution</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 1, the constitution was enacted and the Republic of the Marshall Islands became self-governing.</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'>Compact of Free Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Compact of Free Association between the Marshall Islands and the United States came into effect, establishing a framework for US financial aid in exchange for strategic defense rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Renewed Compact Negotiations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Marshall Islands enter negotiations with the United States to renew the Compact of Free Association.</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 festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Marshall Islands Constitution Day by attending a local cultural festival and experiencing traditional music, dance, and food.</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'>Learn about the history of the constitution</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read and learn about the history of the Marshall Islands Constitution and its significance to the country.</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'>Wear traditional clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your pride for the Marshall Islands by wearing traditional clothing on Constitution Day. This is a great way to honor the culture and traditions of the country.</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'>Host a potluck with traditional dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together for a potluck featuring traditional Marshall Islands dishes. This is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday and share in the culture.</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'>Organize a flag-raising ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather the community together for a flag-raising ceremony to honor the Marshall Islands Constitution. This is a great way to show respect and appreciation for the country's history and values.</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'>Celebrates the nation's history and identity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Marshall Islands Constitution Day is an important holiday that commemorates the signing of the country's constitution, which outlines its laws, values, and principles. It is a way to celebrate the country's unique culture and heritage.</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'>Promotes national unity and patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Constitution Day is a time for citizens of Marshall Islands to come together and reflect on their shared values and ideals as a nation. It promotes a sense of national unity and pride in one's country. </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'>Educates about democracy and government</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As part of the celebrations, educational events are often held to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities under the constitution. This helps to promote a better understanding of democracy and government among the population. </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'>The Marshall Islands' Constitution Recognizes Customary Law</h3><p class='facts-content'>Uniquely, the constitution of the Marshall Islands recognizes both written statute and unwritten customary law, reflecting the importance of traditional norms and customs in the Islands.</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'>Bikini Atoll's Role in the Constitution</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Bikini Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Marshall Islands, was a significant factor in the constitutional story. The experiences of nuclear testing led to clauses pertaining to health, well-being and the environment in the constitution.</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'>Nitijela: The Marshall Islands' Legislature</h3><p class='facts-content'>The constitution established Nitijela as the legislative body of the Marshall Islands. It has 33 members, each representing one of the islands or atolls.</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'>Bill of Rights in the Constitution</h3><p class='facts-content'>Like many constitutions worldwide, the Marshall Islands' constitution includes a bill of rights, which guarantees basic rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.</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'>A Direct Democracy Chapter in the Constitution</h3><p class='facts-content'>Section 2 of the Marshall Islands Constitution contains a chapter on Direct Democracy, specifying provisions for referendums and people’s initiatives. This feature is unusual and underscores the value placed on citizen participation.</p></div></div>
Marshall Islands Constitution Day is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 Marshall Islands Constitution Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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