Before their parents, husbands, wives, children, relatives and friends, Rear Adm. William D. French, commander of the U.S. naval forces in the Marianas, said as they pay “somber tribute” to those who died serving the nation, it was also a “day of celebration to remember them and the freedoms they died to win, defend and preserve.”
“Every family on this island has been affected by war in one way or another, whether they have lost a loved one in battle or knows someone who wears America’s cloth of service and took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” French said.
He urged the people to assist a family grieving the loss of a servicemember, visit those injured, help them rebuild their lives, and find a veteran and say a simple “thank you.”
“We often hear that freedom has a price, and that each generation pays its due. Today is our day to say thank you to those who for generations have foot the bill, to those who have paid dearly with their lives,” French said.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his remarks, said Memorial Day resonates very strongly within the community.
“We pay tribute to our servicemen and women who lost their lives for our liberty,” Fitial said.
Yesterday was the third commemoration of Memorial Day at the Marpi Veterans Cemetery.
Previous events were held at the Civic Center and American Memorial Park.
In freedom’s defense
CNMI Military/Veterans Affairs Executive Director Ruth Coleman said the red stripes in the small U.S. flags that decorated each veteran’s grave was a reminder of the blood that was spilled, and of the sacrifices laid on the altar of freedom.
“The flag is a banner for freedom, it is also the shroud for those who gave their last full measure in freedom’s defense,” Coleman said.
She urged the community to reflect on the freedoms the servicemembers fought and died for by pausing for one minute at 11 o’clock tonight during the National Moment of Remembrance.
Escolastica Cabrera’s husband, Marine Cpl. Gregorio Camacho Cabrera, was the first veteran to be buried at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery after its completion in 2006.
“I come here every month to visit the grave of my husband, and I know he is happy wherever he is,” Mrs. Cabrera told the Variety. She said she and her husband shared 56 years of wedded bliss and were blessed with 13 children.
Brenda Manglona, whose husband MSgt. Julian Manglona died while training in Texas prior to deployment to the Middle East last year, said she appreciates the sacrifices of the servicemembers.
“It takes real courage to be strong, but this is what I can only ask from all the families who lost their loved ones,” Mrs. Manglona said.
The Memorial Day theme for this year was “Live honoring our fallen comrades…everyday.”
The Pacific Winds Concert Band provided music for yesterday’s event.
