In his remarks during yesterday’s Veterans Day commemoration at American Memorial Park, he noted the strong support the community gives to its troops, reservists and military veterans.
“On this day, the commonwealth would once again like to thank the American veterans of the Pacific War who served especially on the campaign for the Northern Marianas. They have done so much for so many generations and their legacy continues,” Fitial said.
He added that the community has witnessed the deployment of many of its servicemen, and the many casualties from the war.
“We have joined grieving families who receive the remains of the soldiers who lost their lives in the war several times, and it has been a very painful experience for those families and for so many members of our community but I take pride in the patriotism and devotion of this community. We are all soldiers,” Fitial said.
He added that all military veterans have a home in the CNMI and they are all welcome here.
Five local Marine Scouts and three recipients of the Marianas Medallions were also honored yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Tom, chief of staff of the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii, recognized the presence of Marine Scouts Manny Villagomez, Santiago Babauta, Ignacio Sablan, Antonio Tenorio and Nicholas Muna; and the three recipients of the Marianas Medallions who represented different eras and different conflicts and war experiences — World War II veteran Anthony Praxel, Vietnam War veteran Brian Notzon and Bruce Petty of the USS Yorktown.
Tom said there are over 1,000 veterans living in the CNMI, and roughly 400 who are on active duty.
“I would like to give special recognition to the 71 CNMI soldiers in Echo Company, 100th Battalion, 29th Infantry Division who are in Kuwait and Iraq. Let’s pray for their safety and safe return next year,” Tom said.
He added that the greatest thanks an American can give a veteran is not to waste the freedom these veterans sacrificed to gain and preserve because veterans know better than anyone else that freedom is not free.
This year’s Veteran’s Day celebration carries the theme “Honoring All who Served,” which include those who are serving in the military service as well as other veterans.
Tom said he is thankful that soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen were honored.
“You are the greatest role models for our current service members, and you taught us the meaning of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” Tom said.
For American Memorial Park superintendent Sarah Creachbaum, all veterans deserve to be honored and respected not only on Veterans Day but every day of the year.
“Veterans have done so much for us, and for this we are eternally grateful to them for our freedom,” she said.
Ruth A. Coleman, executive officer of the CNMI Military and Veterans Affairs Office, said Rota commemorated Veteran’s Day simultaneously with Saipan.
