Hundreds of people, including those from Tinian and Rota, as well as tourists and residents witnessed Saipan’s biggest annual public event.
The only problem encountered was the “slight delay” in lining up the parade participants, according to Liberation parade and float committee chairman Donald Crisostomo.
Except for the Inatuas Cultural Dance Group, all the parade participants finished the event.
But there was no “flyby” of military planes.
The parade started as scheduled at 10 a.m. and finished at 1:30 p.m.
Lisa Santos, one of the spectators from Tanapag, said she enjoyed the parade but expected more participants.
“Before we have more shows and more participants,” she said.
Floats
KKMP Radio-Domatsui won the $2,000 first prize in the float contest.
The “Band of Arms” float paid tribute to “the composers, musicians, performers and producers who, in many ways, touch our hearts and comfort us in times of need through inspirational messages of faith, hope, and love,” KKMP Radio said.
The second prize of $1,500 went to the Choll A Beluu Club float while the Saipan Palau Residents Club float was awarded the $1,000 third prize.
The other participants in the parade were the Matua Riders-Hog-Manelo Riders, Department of Public Safety color guards, CNMI Public School System JROTC Multiple School unit comprising the Marianas High School Dolphin Battalion, Tinian High School Stallion Battalion, Rota High School Buck Battalion, Kagman High School Ayuyu Battalion, Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray Battalion, the Boy Scouts of America, the New Generation, Hopwood Jr. High School Leadership Corps, Manamko’ King and Queen, Saipan Football Association, Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder Club, Saipan Faulung Dafa Association, Uncle Ben’s Academy, United Filipino Organization, Saipan Little League All-Stars, Chuukese Catholic Association, Korean Community of Saipan, CNMI Big League All-Stars, Saipan Awadori Team, Japanese Society-Northern Mariana Islands, Coca-Cola Company, Star ATV-Meena Benavente, CNMI Red Cross, Homeland Security, Disturbed Car Club, Santa Remedios Youth Club and Saipan Music and Dance Studio.
Ayaka Kojina, Miss Saipan Photogenic of Japan, also joined the parade.
The Liberation Queen’s float concluded the parade. Onboard were Liberation Queen Joni C. Castro, Royal Princess Nizelynn T. Masayos, First Runner-up Maria I. Ada and Liberation Queen committee chairwoman Vinycia Seman.
2010 Royal Princess Rayna Anabeth DLG. Chong and 2010 2nd Runner-up Angela Bermudes Aldan arrived first at the stage.
Guests
Except for Rota Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola, the three other grand marshals joined the parade.
The Rota mayor was represented by his adviser, Tom Mendiola.
The other grand marshals were Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz of Tinian, Daniel O. Kaipat of the Northern Islands, and Ruth Coleman of Saipan.
Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and wife Josie were joined by Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos on the stage.
LJ Castro, Gordon Marciano and John Hosano were the masters of ceremony.
A day for the family
Both sides of Beach Road were packed with families and friends eagerly awaiting the presentation of organizations, floats, and this year’s Miss Liberation Day Queen.
Terina Seman of Chalan Laulau was joyous to be out with her family for the day’s events.
“I come every year. Today I am here with my family, more specifically my cousins,” she said.
“We come to watch the marchers, to see the decorations on the floats, and to see the new Liberation Queen.”
Many families set up a tent and camped out the night before.
Jay Villagomez of Navy Hill told Variety about the process his family goes through every year to set up for the parade.
“Basically, we get a permit, set up the tent, bring a lot of food, watch the parade and celebrate the holiday together,” he explained.
“We camp out the night before. We just hang out and entertain ourselves with stories. Also, we get to catch up after being separated for a while.”
Villagomez was stationed in South Korea this time last year.
“We spend the whole day out,” he continues. “The kids get to go swimming after the parade and at night we usually watch the fireworks as well.”
Brian Lee Reyes shared his family’s outing.
“We’ve usually just watched the parade on TV but today we got the family to come out together, rain or shine,” he said.
“We’ve reserved this pavilion since April,” he said, referring to the pavilion near the Thirteen Fishermen Memorial.
“It’s a day where we get to take the kids out. Also, it’s been a long time since we’ve had a gathering this big with members from both sides of the family. There are a lot of people here that we haven’t seen in a long time.”
No matter what the weather is, Reyes said, “we want to support the men and women who sacrificed for us to have this liberation. After today, we will hopefully come out like this every year.”
Ed Flores, one of the 25 members in the local motorcycle club called the Matua Riders, was happy to be out with his friends and family to celebrate the day.
“It’s a family day for us as well. The 30 Guam Riders join us for our Liberation Day. Many of them bring their wives and family along with them. It’s a good bonding time for us,” he said.
Local riders will head over to Guam too for its Liberation Day.
Speeches
Governor Fitial said the Liberation Day celebration is the CNMI’s reaffirmation and renewed commitment to the principles of a free society.
Fitial also paid tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, the veterans and to those “who continue to risk their lives for the good of the country.”
“Truly, we have lost far too many, but their sacrifices shall never be forgotten,” he added.
He urged the people to “continue to place our trust in the protections of the Most High and continue to pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor to freedom’s defense.”
According to Mayor Flores, “The sacrifices of lives and expended resources of a powerful nation to save and protect the lives and resources of a group of people on a tiny island is the reason why we are all here today — to acknowledge the sacrifices and give honor to those who made the sacrifices.”
Liberation Day Committee chairman Jonas Barcinas thanked all those who helped ensure the success of this year’s festivities.
