THE Northern Marianas yesterday celebrated the nation’s “rich legacy of courage” as officials and residents paid tribute to America’s 226th Independence Day and the islands’ 56th Liberation Day.
Despite the downpour, more than a thousand individuals witnessed the commonwealth’s Fourth of July celebrations which kicked-off with a grand parade from Horiguchi Building to American Memorial Park.
“This is not only the time for festivity, but a time for reflection,” Maj. Gen. W. Theodore Lay II, commander of the 13th Air Force, said in his keynote address.
“We are here to reflect on the significance of Saipan (and) its rich legacy of courage during World War II,” Lay said.
Lay said the events of Sept. 11 changed everything, giving the Fourth of July celebrations a “greater meaning.”
For Chamorros and Carolinians, July 4 marks the anniversary of the opening of Camp Susupe and the beginning of a new life for the Northern Marianas, acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente said.
Benavente said it was a day of “many struggles,” of brave men and women fighting and dying for freedom.
“Let us look around us now and see how far we have gone,” Benavente said. “We are now thriving as a society…a fitting emergence from the ruins of war with the island culture still intact.”
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said “this is a celebration of the Chamorro and Carolinian people.”
Tudela also noted the difficulties that the Liberation Day Committee had to endure to ensure the success of the celebration.
“But rain or shine we did it,” Tudela said to a cheering crowd.
At 2:30 p.m., however, Benavente declared typhoon condition no. 2, which canceled all the remaining activities, including the concert and the fireworks.
By 3:45 p.m., the carnival at American Memorial Park was shut down.
The Liberation Day Committee said the concert might be held on Friday or Saturday night.
Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona also graced the ceremony, along with Philippine Consul General Julia C. Heidemann and Japan Consul Takeo Saito.
Thirteen floats as well as 25 marching and display groups were featured in yesterday’s festivities.
Former Northern Marianas College President Agnes M. McPhetres, who was one of the judges in the float competition, said the participation of the various organizations in the commonwealth was “very encouraging.”
She said the organizing committee and the participants did a “tremendous and terrific job.”
Public Safety Commissioner Edward C. Camacho said the Fourth of July festivities went “smoothly” without untoward incidents.
“No threats. Everything was very peaceful. Our preparedness was already set in place—we want to keep it that way, we want it to be safe here,” Camacho said.
