By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

DESPITE its distance and small size, Northern Marianas played a historic role in helping end World War II through the island of Tinian, which became the U.S. forward base from which the atomic bombs used against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were launched.
It has been 62 years since the end of war but the heroism and valor of those who fought for world peace and freedom continue to be honored by the people of the Northern Marianas.
“Today, we honor and salute all veterans…. We honor our veterans in peace time and in war,” said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial who led the islands’ Veterans Day celebration yesterday.
Rear Adm. William D. French, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and U.S. defense representative for Guam, the CNMI, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau, joined the commonwealth in observing the event.
French’s father, Col. Russel L. French, served on Tinian and Saipan during the war.
“It is my distinct privilege to walk Saipan’s soil this weekend. I am humbled knowing that during the war my dad, too, walked on Saipan,” said the admiral who is a submarine expert and also a graduate of the elite Navy Nuclear Power Training academy.
“He saw the steadfast patriotism of the Carolinian and Chamorro people and from his duty station atop Mount Tapochao he gazed across to the Philippine Sea,” he added.
“Our most important responsibility is that we must never forget those willing to serve; we must never forget those willing to fight, and; those willing to die (in the name of freedom),” he said. “America loves technology but the strength of this nation lies in its people.”
He said the global war against terror is a stark reality that looms everywhere and the valor and virtue of the American people are again being tested.
Ruth Coleman, executive director of the CNMI Military and Veterans Affairs Office, said the sacrifices of the many men and women serving in different branches of the military should never be forgotten.
Mrs. Monica French helped Coleman present the family of the late U.S. sailor Anamarie San Nicolas Camacho.
Camacho was slain in Bahrain just a few weeks ago along with another young sailor from Georgia.
A Florida-based civic group sent a condolence book for Camacho’s family.
French and his wife along with the governor offered wreaths at American Memorial Park’s Circle of Honor in recognition of the military personnel who sacrificed their lives during various wars.