By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
DESCENDANTS of World War II veterans are retracing the battle sites of Saipan and Tinian this month as part of a series of heritage tours. The program has already brought more than 100 visitors to the Northern Marianas, with the final group scheduled to arrive on March 30.
The families are visiting through programs organized by the National WWII Museum, Valor Tours, the American History Project, and Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours. PDI Managing Director Gordon Marciano said the visits carry deep meaning for both the families and the islands.
“Families of World War II veterans who fought in Saipan and Tinian will be visiting the islands to honor the service and sacrifice of their loved ones. These visits provide a meaningful opportunity to remember the history of our islands and recognize the bravery of those who served during World War II,” Marciano said.
Seven families honored with medals
On Wednesday evening, seven families of WWII veterans received commemorative medals during a short program hosted by PDI at Aqua Resort Club’s Costa Terrace Restaurant. An additional medal was presented to historian Marty Morgan, whose father served as a Seabee on Tinian.
The veterans honored were:
Maj. Arthur J. Berk, USMC
John C. Engel Jr., USMC
Ernest Davis, U.S. Navy
Wesley David, U.S. Navy
Edward Levin, USMC
Harold Eugene West, USMC
Sgt. Milo J. Loveless, USMC
Two types of medals were presented:
• A Veterans of Foreign Wars commemorative medal, first issued during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan in 1994 and still presented on behalf of the VFW.
• The 80th Anniversary Medal, created by Saipan Mayor Ramon “EB” Camacho, featuring — for the first time — the U.S., CNMI, and Japanese flags together to symbolize remembrance and reconciliation.
Historian‑led tours continue
The current Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours group is led by Morgan, known for his work on the History Channel, Discovery Channel, BBC, and his own podcast. Earlier groups were guided by British historian Chris Anderson, while Valor Tours’ group is led by historian John Shively with local guide John Hosono. The National WWII Museum’s first group included two historians and local guide Genevieve Cabrera.
Marciano said this month’s visitors represent the fifth and sixth WWII heritage groups to arrive in the CNMI this year.
“These are the children of veterans who fought here,” he said. “Their return to Saipan and Tinian ensures that the stories of sacrifice and courage are passed on to the next generation.”
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
