"" (; also spelt ""; ) is the national anthem of Palau. Officially adopted in 1981, the music was composed by Ymesei O. Ezekiel, to which the combined words of several authors were set.
History
The anthem was composed by Ymesei Ezekiel (9 January 1921 – 20 May 1984), a composer, musician and music teacher, during the time of the transition from the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which at the time was using the anthem of Micronesia, to the establishment of the Republic of Palau under the trust territory. A committee headed by member of the House of Delegates Demei Otobed was established to adopt a national anthem in line with the new constitution. Along with Otobed and Ezekiel, other members of the committee included historians and musicians Riosang Salvador, Kebekol Alfonso and Hermana Umetaro. The committee members collectively wrote the lyrics of the anthem. The anthem was officially adopted on 1 January 1981, when the Palauan constitution entered into force.
Lyrics
{| class="wikitable"
!Palauan original
!English version
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"
|<poem></poem>
|<poem></poem>
|<poem>I
Palau is coming forth with strength and power,
By the old ways abides still every hour.
One country, safe, secure, one government
Under the glowing, floating soft light stands.
II
Let's build our economy's protecting fence
With courage, faithfulness and diligence
Our life is anchored in Palau, our land
We with our might through life and death defend
III
In spirit let's join hands, united, one
Care for our homeland...from forefathers on
Look after its concord, its glory keep
Through peace and love and heart's devotion deep
IV
God bless our country, our island home always
Our sweet inheritances from the ancient days
Give us strength and power and all of the rights
To govern with all eternity with might</poem>
|}
Notes
References
External links
- Streaming audio, lyrics and information for the Palau national anthem (archive link)
- nationalanthems.info Palau page