Due to the heavy rain, the event was held at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center instead of the more spacious amphitheater.
However, not even the bad weather could stop community members from expressing solidarity with, sympathy and condolences to the people of Japan.
“The prayer songs are dedicated to the people of Japan, especially to the children,” young violinists Richard Quan and Alan Yu Tian said.
They also played “Home Sweet Home” while another violinist, Maria Balajadia, performed the theme song of “Schindler’s List.”
Ao Zhang, DoReMi School of Music president and music director, said his three students were so eager to participate in the prayer vigil that it took them a day only to master their pieces.
“We feel so sorry for the people of Japan,” Quan said.
Fr. Aurelio Stoia, the Santo Remegio parish priest, offered the invocation after the singing of the national anthem that was led by Poleen Ichihara, Roma Syed and Farzana Syed.
“We want to help those in need,” the priest said.“We hope the world can help too. We have this hope that the gift of love can be spread to the hearts of everyone and that the love of the Lord will touch the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Japan who have been severely tried with so many things.”
Bro. Frank Goreimbalem of the Upper Room International Ministry and Muhammad Ansar Ali also offered special prayers.
Park Ranger Nancy Kelchner noted that Saipan is a favorite destination of the people of Japan.
“There are a lot of people that don’t have lots of money but we are not asking for a lot of money, we are asking for a helping hand, and open heart and understanding for the devastated country. She is our neighbor and we always help our neighbor,” she said.
Rabby Syed, Saipan City Taxi Association president, turned over the group’s $500 donation to John Hirsh, executive director of the American Red Cross-NMI chapter.
Syed said the money came from their earnings.
During the prayer vigil, the American Red Cross displayed some of the pictures of the devastation in Japan.
Hirsh said they placed donation boxes at different stores on island.
“It’s easy to give to someone you know but to give to someone whom you don’t know takes courage,” he said, as he urged community members to continue supporting the victims in Japan.
Hirsh said they have also received donations from banks and different establishments.
