TODAY, the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands celebrate Liberation Day. The question is, which liberation are we celebrating?
It certainly is not the American campaign to capture the Marianas from the Japanese. In fact, on this day in 1944 brave young U.S. Marines were struggling up a slope they called Fourth of July Hill. Covered in mud, their fatigues in shreds, eating cold c-rations, bullets zipping around them, shooting and getting shot at, the men took the hill, but paid a heavy price in dead and wounded. Then they fought their way to Marpi Point. The island was not declared secured until July 10.
So if Liberation Day doesn’t celebrate the capture of Saipan, what does it celebrate?
As Saipan was secured, the Chamorros and Carolinians were confined to Camp Chalan Kanoa. When the war in the Pacific concluded, demobilization began. It was “Home Alive in ’45,” or “Back to the Sticks in ’46.” Somewhere along the line, the island commander recognized that the locals had to be released from the camp. Some bright public relation type guy said, “Hey, let’s do it on the Fourth of July!”
Thus on July 4, 1946 the people of Saipan were liberated from Camp Chalan Kanoa.
There was yet another liberation. In 1952, the Navy Technical Training Unit was established on Saipan. Tinian, Saipan and the Gani Islands were placed under a security closure. Rota became a district unto itself. No one could leave or arrive without prior military permission.
In late 1961, President John Kennedy decided to close down the NTTU operation. Once again, some PR type guy said, “Hey, let’s do it on the Fourth of July!” Thus on July 4, 1962 the Northern Mariana Islands were liberated from Navy rule and the local people were allowed the freedom of travel.
These two events justified a Fourth of July celebration. Fireworks, a parade, a queen’s float, speeches, a flag raising. Why? Because the Americans wanted to join their countrymen in the celebration of Independence Day. Why couldn’t they just call it Independence Day? Because the Northern Mariana Islands were not yet a part of America. Ta da!
In no way does this diminish the value of our Liberation Day celebration. Because, in reality, we are celebrating the liberation of all Americans.
In the mid-1770s, a group of men began to debate the frightful question “Should we attempt to declare independence from Great Britain?” The debate was heated. They were putting their lives, their families and fortunes on the line. Then, on March 23, 1775, a man took the floor in a furiously impassioned speech. In conclusion, with both fists raised he shouted, “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”
After the vote was taken, they gave a rich Virginia tobacco farmer an assignment. Write a letter to the King of England and give him our decision.
On July 4, 1776 he went to his desk, dipped his quill pen in the ink well and wrote the now famous line. “When, in the course of human events…” These revolutionaries then faced a long and difficult war with the greatest nation on earth at the time. After the war was won and liberation achieved, the survivors met in Congress. Behind closed doors. they eventually penned the three great words that define democracy: “We, the people…”
So as we enjoy this holiday and the Liberation festivities, let us keep in mind the real reasons why we celebrate the Fourth of July. We enjoy this day because of the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, willing to step in harm’s way to give us this day of freedom. Remember them. And, in light of Sept. 11, let us all remember that freedom is not guaranteed. On any given day, we may be called upon to protect our liberation and serve our nation, once again.DON A. FARRELL
Marpo Heights, Tinian
