U.S. Embassy in the
Federated States of Micronesia

I took an oath 30 years ago and restated it last year to solemnly swear that I would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that  would bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I took this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and affirmed that I would well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I entered.

The storming of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a symbol of the American people and our government, the heart of our nation’s legislature, was deplorable and appalling. The events demonstrated once again that there is an appropriate way and a wrong way for the citizens of a democracy to use their voices and express their opinions.  These violent actions have shaken our soul and spirit; however, they do not in any way weaken the vigor of our democratic history and the values and principles that we endeavor to uphold nor do they define who we are as Americans or reduce our determination to continue to build a sturdier, more inclusive union. We all know that our democracy has been tested in the past, and it will be tested again. That we are tested, however, should never cause any person to question the strength of America’s democratic institutions or our people.

As is being called for by representatives from across the political spectrum, those responsible will be held to account, and the democratic process will continue. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris will be inaugurated on January 20.

I am thankful for the words of support from our friends in the Federated States of Micronesia reiterating their trust and confidence in the strength of our institutions. We share a common belief in democracy and what it stands for, even if tested repeatedly.

Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor