(Press Release) — The Tan Siu Lin Foundation has donated $5,000 to the Saipan Mayor’s Office to help celebrate Liberation Day with fireworks display this Sunday at the Garapan Fishing Base.
According to Saipan Mayor David Apatang, in the absence of the traditional Fourth of July festivities on island there will be a 15- to 20-minute fireworks display to commemorate one of the most important dates in American history. The mayor, who planned to have Liberation Day activities for five days at the Garapan Fishing Base this year, had to rescind the earlier proposal despite of the government’s decision to place the CNMI on Level Green in the Community Vulnerability rating scale due to lack of time. The Level Green declaration was made just three weeks ago.
“It takes at least four months to prepare for the parade and other activities. Although we won’t have the usual Fourth of July festivities, we will still commemorate this important event with fireworks display. We encouraged everyone to watch the show from their homes or to those who are coming to the Garapan Fishing Base area, please stay in your parked car or in a safe distance away from the venue of the firework display,” Apatang said.
This Sunday will mark the declaration of independence of the United States and the islands’ Liberation Day. The TSL Foundation wishes everyone a safe celebration and is honored to be part of the commemoration event.
“We join the rest of the community in commemorating the Fourth of July and recognizing the people who made it possible for us to celebrate this important day. Let’s continue to advocate for peace and freedom that our heroes worked hard for to achieve,” TSL Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino said.
For his part, Apatang thanked the TSL Foundation for their continued support to the Saipan Mayor’s Office and its projects.
“Every year, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation has been generous in helping us with the Liberation Day festivities and parade. The Saipan Mayor is deeply grateful to the foundation and we hope to continue the strong partnership as we look forward to a bigger celebration next year,” Apatang said.
Saipan Mayor’s David M. Apatang, fourth left, and his staff receive the donation for the fireworks display for the Liberation Day celebration from the Tan Siu Lin Foundation led by its executive director Merlie Tolentino, third left, in a brief turnover ceremony last week in the TanHoldings conference room in Garapan.
