Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, fourth right, and other members of the Tinian leadership, pose for a photo with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five’s Lt. Joseph Plunkett, second right, Lt. Anthony M. Anason, right and Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs Special Assistant Danny Aquino after the unveiling of the Fallen Soldier Memorial Monument on Tinian, Monday last week.
THE Tinian leadership and members of the island’s community on Monday last week commemorated Memorial Day by unveiling the Fallen Soldier Monument at the island’s Veterans Memorial Park.
Participating in a solemn ceremony that honored “the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving our country” were Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Sens. Jude U. Hofschneider, Frank Q. Cruz, Karl King-Nabors, Rep. Patrick San Nicolas, Tinian Municipal Council Chairman Joseph Santos, Vice Chair Ana Marie Cruz, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five’s Lt. Joseph Plunkett and Lt. Anthony M. Anason, and Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs Special Assistant Danny Aquino.
Joining them were veterans, community members and families of fallen heroes.
Tinian Veterans Affairs representative John Attao delivered the welcoming remarks and thanked everyone for their presence. The Tinian Junior/Senior Hight School Stallion Battalion Color Guard performed the posting of colors, which was followed by the singing of the national and Commonwealth anthems.
Father Brigido Bagunas performed the invocation.
In his remarks, Mayor Aldan expressed his sincere appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes and their families whose noble deeds, he said, have paved the way for the freedom and prosperity that the nation enjoys today.
He also highlighted the unveiling of the Fallen Soldier Memorial Project, which was funded by the 23rd Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation and the people of Tinian.
“This project stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering courage and selflessness of our fallen servicemembers, and a small token of our gratitude and immense appreciation for the continued service and sacrifice of our brothers and sisters in the U.S. armed forces. This tribute also expresses our appreciation to the families of our servicemembers that have allowed their loved ones to join the fight for the greater good of our nation,” Aldan said.
He acknowledged the members of the U.S. Navy saying, “Since they’ve been on Tinian, they have become a fundamental part of our community and great partners of the municipality, assisting where they are needed.”
“On behalf of the people of Tinian and its leadership, I want to thank you for your valuable contributions to our island and its people,” he said.
Sen. King-Nabors reminded everyone “that the freedom we cherish has come at a great cost and that Memorial Day is a day to reflect on the selflessness of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
He said Memorial Day “isn’t just about mourning loss, but coming together as a united nation and upholding the principles our fallen heroes fought to protect.”
Plunkett and Anason expressed their heartfelt appreciation for being part of the Memorial Day ceremony on Tinian, and thanked everyone for their enduring partnership with Tinian and the entire Marianas.
On behalf of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Mayor Aldan presented to the Navy officers plaques of appreciation to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five.
This was followed by the laying of the wreath.
During the unveiling of the Fallen Soldier Memorial Statue, everyone shared a moment of silence while the Tinian Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Service along with the Department of Public Safety performed the water salute and memorial sirens.
