CNMI officials join veterans, their family members and other community members at the Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 27, to commemorate Memorial Day.
A 21-gun salute rings out in Marpi during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery on Monday.
THE Memorial Day ceremony held Monday at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi was highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony and a flyover.
Dozens of residents took part in the event.
In his keynote address, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said, “Nothing I could say could match the sacrifice and the patriotism that motivated those whose remains rest here. Nothing I could say could honor them more than their own actions in the service of our nation. I want to simply remind us all that this veterans cemetery on this small plot of land in northern Saipan does not stand alone. Our cemetery is part of a worldwide network connected by the dedication of service of those interred.”
For his part, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said the day was dedicated to “those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we cherish.”
“As we stand together on this solemn Memorial Day, we are reminded of the profound truth that our freedom is the legacy of the brave men and women we honor today,” he added.
The names of all those interred at the cemetery were read aloud.
Also honored were the local Marine scouts who went on combat patrols and undertook mopping-up operations on Saipan following the American invasion of the island during World War II.
As for the fallen heroes from the CNMI, they include SGT Yihjyh “Eddie” L. Chen, Staff SGT Wilgene T. Lieto, SPC Derence W. Jack, SGT Jesse J. Castro, Lance CPL Adam Q. Emul, SPC Leeroy A. Camacho, PFC John D. Flores, PFC Victor M. Fontanilla, SPC Joe G. Charfauros Jr., Seaman Anamarie San Nicolas Camacho, SGT Brian S. Leon Guerrero, SSG Julian F. Manglona, SrA Audra P.M. Winkfield, CPL Dave M. Santos, SSG George Joseph A. Sablan, Lance CPL Ramon Taisakan Kaipat, SPC Hanson Mendiola, SPC Joselyn Tara Mafnas Sablan, SPC Christopher Henry Manalo Del Rosario, Lance CPL Stephen A. Romolor Litulumar, SPC Franco Sai San Nicolas Taimanao, SGT Nathan Teregeyo, SFC Dennis Meno Urdaneta, and SGT Thyse Ngirutoi Tutiy.
The names of CNMI veterans who fell in the line of service, were buried at sea or served as Marine scouts during World War II are memorialized at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi.
CNMI and American flags mark the graves of veterans and their family members in Marpi.
Led by CNMI officials, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi on Memorial Day, Monday.
