Another flag will soon join the colorful Gallery of Flags that adorn the 51ÁÔÆæ Activity Center.
The flags welcome international students of many nations who attend the college each year.
Esdaka Soukon, a Community Liaison with Mason City Schools, presented 51ÁÔÆæ President Joel Pedersen the flag on Thursday morning.
The Micronesian Community in Mason City is growing rapidly according to Mayor Bill Schickel. It is estimated that more than 800 residents now make their home here.
Schickel was originally presented the flag on August 3 during the annual Micronesian Softball Tournament and Friendship Day at Frederick Hanford Park. He thought 51ÁÔÆæ would be the perfect place to display it.
The blue in the flag represents the Pacific Ocean while the four white stars represent the states of Micronesia, echoing the stars of the states on the United States flag.
The United States and the Federated States of Micronesia have a long established “Compact of Friendship” with Micronesian citizens serving in all branches of the US Armed Forces.
“When I came to Iowa I found that America really is the land of opportunity,” Soukon said humbly, “look at me now I’m here talking to these amazing people—the Mayor and the President of the college.”
Soukon said it will be his mission to let people know about 51ÁÔÆæ and how college can help them. “51ÁÔÆæ has so much amazing stuff to make people grow and expand their opportunities.”
