By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THIS year’s observance of Memorial Day will be held for the first time at the veterans cemetery in Marpi, the Office of Military Liaison and Veterans Affairs announced yesterday.
Veterans Affairs executive officer Ruth Coleman and other veterans on Saipan have started planning for the Memorial Day activities on May 28.
She said they are holding meetings every Tuesday in preparation for the event.
According to Coleman, the Memorial Day proclamation will be announced by the governor’s office a week prior to May 28,
She said the Memorial Day celebration “is going to be unique and will be much bigger than in previous years.”
Members of the community will be asked to participate so they can also express their gratitude to the veterans and their families, Coleman said.
A national holiday, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May.
It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country.
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials across the nation.
“It is right that this event will be held at the veterans cemetery,” Coleman said.
A flag display will highlight the commemoration on island, according to former Rep. and retired Sgt. Maj, Frank G. Cepeda, who is himself a former director of veteran affairs.
Cepeda will deliver the keynote speech.