Maj. Gen. Douglas Owens, vice commander, Pacific Air Forces, said the commemoration was held “in remembrance of…a time [that marked the] instant transition to a new age for the military.”
The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were assembled and launched on Tinian.
Participants of the “The Manhattan Project and Tinian: An Educational Symposium and Memorial” held on Thursday at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino joined the memorial service at North Field at 8:30 a.m. with the members of the island community, including government officials.
The Blue Knights Honor Guard, 36th Wing Andersen Air Force Base, presented the colors during the wreath-laying ceremony.
Local historian Don Farrell said the dropping of the atomic bombs was necessary and justified.
“It did in fact save millions of lives not just Americans, the British, Canadians, Australians and the New Zealanders, but all of the men and women who were in uniform at that time struggling to preserve peace and democracy for all,” Farrell said in his brief remarks.
Tinian acting Mayor Patrick Manglona spoke about the “healing of time” and of appreciating the efforts of “those who have committed their lives to ensure our freedom today.”
Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz was attending the peace commemoration in Hiroshima.
On Tinian, Owens was joined by Gen. Howie Chandler, vice chief of staff, USAF; Col. Tod Final, vice commander, 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base; retired Marine Corps Col. John Jackson, director of the Joint Guam Program Office, Lt. Col Richard P. Pagliuco of the 319th Missile Squadron; Lt. Col Robert Crisostomo, representing Maj.
General Donald J. Goldhorn, Adjutant General, Guam National Guard; World War II veterans Gillen Wood and Joseph Patrick Farrell.
Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, joined Manglona, Owens and Chandler in laying a wreath for peace at North Field.
Other government officials who attended the ceremony were Saipan Republican Reps. Eliceo D. Cabrera and Joseph M. Palacios, as well as Tinian Municipal Council members Joseph San Nicolas Cruz and Esteven Cabrera.
