Editing Angam Day (section)

==History==

===Before Angam===
As early as 1902, an influenza epidemic took toll of no less than 219 lives. At the time of the initial phosphate operations during 1905 the population was about 1,550. With the introduction of labour for the phosphate operations, a sudden downward trend in brought by the newly introduced labour. This spate of epidemics included many casualties among the Nauruan people. During 1907, infantile paralysis systematically killed the Nauruan population.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Angam Day - The Government of the Republic of Nauru|url=http://naurugov.nr/about-nauru/nauruans'-stories/angam-day.aspx|access-date=2021-10-16|website=naurugov.nr|language=en}}</ref>

The first goal came about in 1919, just after [[World War I]], when the war-time occupation of [[Nauru]] and other Pacific islands was continued by forces of the British Empire, who had, in contravention of international treaty obligations, wrested these colonies from [[Imperial Germany]]. Nauru came under a [[League of Nations]] mandate, administered by [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[United Kingdom|Britain]]. Brigadier-General [[Thomas Griffiths (general)|Thomas Griffiths]], the Australian [[Administrator of the Government|Administrator]], held a census. Later, in a meeting with local chiefs, he declared that the population of [[Nauruans]] was alarmingly low and that if the Nauruans were to survive as a race, the population should be no less than 1,500. It was declared that when the population of 1,500 was reached, that day would be called ''Angam Day,'' would be a public holiday, and would be commemorated every year thereafter, as a prize to the mother. Furthermore, the baby who completed the set target would be the '''Angam Baby''' and would receive gifts and honour.

===First Angam===
[[Image:Nauru Island under attack by Liberator bombers of the Seventh Air Force.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1943]]
After thirteen years, the Nauruan population reached 1,500 to much jubilation and celebrations. The first Angam Baby, Eidagaruwo, was born on October 26, 1932. Her name expresses the feeling of “reaching home” or “attaining a goal”; it was given to her by the Administrator and Chiefs.<ref name="Eidagaruwo">{{cite web |title=ANGAM Day - Nauru, National Day |url=https://corporate.southpacificislands.travel/event/angam-day-nauru-national-day/ |website=Pacific Tourism Organisation |access-date=February 7, 2021}}</ref> That night large bonfires were lit on the beach on every district and chiefs judged who had the biggest bonfire. [[Aiwo District]] had the largest bonfire with blue flames, made by stoking the fire with copper wire.<ref name="Eidagaruwo"/>

It turned out there was to be more than one Angam. During the [[Japan]]ese occupation of Nauru and other Pacific territories during [[World War II]], 1,201 Nauruans were evacuated to [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk]] (now [[Chuuk State|Chuuk]]). Of the 1,201 evacuees to Truk only 737 returned after the [[war]], and of the about 600 left behind on Nauru, a total of around 400 survived.

The Angam girl, Eidegenegen Eidagaruwo, did not make it back from Truk as she had died of [[malnutrition]] and [[yaws]] like most of the other Nauruans who had died in Truk.

===Second Angam===
The aftermath of WWII showed the Nauruans that, to survive as a race, they would have to strive to increase their population for a second time.  The race for a new Angam Baby was on.

On March 31, 1949, the people of [[Boe (Nauru)|Boe]] celebrated when Bethel Enproe Adam was born to parents Kenye and Clarence Adam. Since then, the Nauruans have been able to celebrate Angam once again. Even though Bethel Enproe was born on a different date, October 26 is still held as the official Angam Day.