Our trip also offered an opportunity to see the annual celebration of Liberation Day on Ebeye, marking the day that US troops retook the island from Japanese rule during WWII. We arrived just in time to see the formal introductions of surviving members of the liberation as well as the playing of the Marshallese, Kwajalein and US anthems. The Kwaj high school band even made the trip for the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. It was a truly unique celebration that brought perspective to some of the true benefits of our military involvement throughout the world. There was even a small parade on the one long block connecting the road circling the island.
Eyebe is a truly extraordinary
In the end, I was touched by the idea that the physical circumstances of those on Ebeye does not negatively affect their joy. We encountered smiles at every turn in our time there and it helped me gain perspective on many of the things I take for granted every day. I am so thankful for the Marshallese neighbors that we have gotten to know in the last several week and look forward to sharing life with them in months ahead.
