THE Department of Public Safety will join first responders, military personnel, and community volunteers for the 10th Annual Field of Heroes, commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
At a press conference Friday, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas reflected on the day that changed the nation.
“I was working the night shift when it happened,” he said. “There was something going on at the airport, and the late Commissioner Charles Ingram called for assistance. When we arrived, we were told the U.S. had been attacked: Terrorists hit the Twin Towers in New York City. I’ll never forget that day.”
Macaranas said DPS will participate in the Sept. 15 Field of Heroes ceremony on Saipan, which honors responders who served during the 9/11 attacks. “In the CNMI, we continue this tradition to honor the officers who perished and to reaffirm our commitment to vigilance and crisis response,” he said.
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato said, “9/11 remains vivid in our minds. No matter how many years have passed, some of us still think about that day.”
Sato credited Tan Holdings and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for organizing the annual event. “It’s also a way to recognize today’s frontline workers and show appreciation for their daily sacrifices,” he said.
On Saipan, the Field of Heroes commemoration today begins at 4:30 p.m. with a freedom walk from Carolinian Utt to American Memorial Park, followed by a ceremony. Tinian will hold its event Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, to be led by Mayor Edwin Aldan. Rota’s observance is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Melchor Mendiola Leadership Park under Mayor Aubry Hocog’s leadership.
