Marshall Islands

WHEREAS, This resolution is being made to recognize the 1
historical and ongoing relationship between the United States and the 2
Republic of the Marshall Islands, to honor the contributions of the 3
Marshallese community in Washington state, and to reaffirm our 4
commitment to supporting their well-being and prosperity, both here 5
and in their homeland; and 6
WHEREAS, The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United 7
States share a deep and complex history rooted in both military and 8
cultural ties that continue to shape our relationship today; and9
WHEREAS, Operation Flintlock, the largest amphibious assault of 10
World War II at the time, marked the invasion and subsequent 11
liberation of the Marshall Islands from imperial Japanese forces in 12
1944. This swift and efficient operation not only demonstrated the 13
effectiveness of the United States Marine Corps, but also played a 14
critical role in accelerating the allied victory in the pacific; and15
WHEREAS, The liberation of Kwajalein Atoll holds profound 16
significance for the Marshallese people, symbolizing freedom and 17
resilience. The event is commemorated annually by the Kwajalein 18
people, as a part of Kwajalein Kamolol Day (Liberation Day), 19
celebrating the enduring spirit of the Marshallese community and 20
honoring the sacrifices made during the war; and 21
WHEREAS, The historical relationship between the United States 22
and the Republic of the Marshall Islands culminated in the compact of 23
SENATE RESOLUTION
8623
By Senators Fortunato, Hasegawa, Torres, and Wagoner
p. 1 8623
free association (COFA), joined by two other nations and signed 1
in 1983, which established a framework for cooperation in areas 2
such as defense, economic assistance, and immigration; and3
WHEREAS, The compact of free association has allowed 4
citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Island to live, work, 5
and serve in the United States without a visa, contributing 6
significantly to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of 7
communities across the country, including many counties in 8
Washington state; and 9
WHEREAS, Marshallese citizens have demonstrated 10
extraordinary commitment to the United States through high rates 11
of service in the United States armed forces, exemplifying the 12
deep bonds of kinship and mutual respect between our nations; 13
and 14
WHEREAS, The people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands 15
are renowned for their resilience, cultural richness, and 16
exceptional skills as navigators, voyagers, and artisans, 17
preserving and celebrating their heritage even in the face of 18
historical adversity; and 19
WHEREAS, Washington state is home to a vibrant and thriving 20
Marshallese community, whose contributions enhance the diversity 21
and strength of our state; and 22
WHEREAS, The historical link between Washington state and 23
the Republic of the Marshall Islands is strengthened by our 24
shared history and longstanding relationship, underscoring the 25
importance of ongoing collaboration to address the lasting 26
impacts of nuclear testing and to support the well-being of 27
Marshallese communities; 28
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state 29
Senate acknowledge the enduring special friendship and special 30
partnership between the United States and the Republic of the 31
Marshall Islands, and reaffirm the importance of the compact of 32
free association as the cornerstone of this relationship; and33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate 34
stand in support of the Marshallese community members residing 35
in Washington state, recognizing their invaluable contributions 36
to our society and their efforts to achieve equity and access to 37
essential services; and 38
p. 2 8623
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state Senate 1
pause to remember the significance of March 1st as nuclear 2
victims Remembrance Day as a message of thankfulness, honoring 3
the strength and perseverance of the people of the Republic of 4
the Marshall Islands, and the enduring bonds of friendship 5
between our nations; and 6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 7
immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the 8
Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. 9
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 10
do hereby certify that this is a true and 11
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8623, 12
adopted by the Senate 13
March 3, 2025 14
SARAH BANNISTER 15
Secretary of the Senate 16
p. 3 8623