“The Northern Marianas campaign was critical to ending World War II and bringing substantial peace and prosperity to our Asia-Pacific region and to the rest of the world in the years following the world’s most devastating conflict,” Fitial said in his Liberation Day message.
The governor said the “the battle for the Northern Marianas was a devastating conflict that resulted in the loss of more than 50,000 lives, and many more lives were lost in the battles for the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, leading to Japan’s formal surrender in September of 1945, finally ending the world’s bloodiest conflict.”
He said as the Chamorros and Carolinians left Camp Susupe 63 years ago and began to rebuild their lives in the wake of the war, many other people were also able to move forward and progress as a result of the Marianas campaign in 1944.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said the governor will deliver his Liberation Day message on Saturday.
The governor, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, Senate President Pete P. Reyes, and Saipan Municipal Council Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela will join Capt. Alan Moore, chief of staff, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, and tomorrow’s keynote speaker.
This year’s grand marshal is Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela.
Mayor Tudela, in his message, said this Liberation Day celebration reminds the people of the hardship and fears that their parents and grandparents experienced.
“Maybe not a single resident of Saipan would like to go through the horrific sacrifices our people endured,” he said.
“Let us all rejoice and continue to be united in one heart and spirit. Let us continue to pray for our sons and daughters who are in harm’s way as they continue to fight for our liberty and pursuit of happiness,” he said.
In a press conference yesterday, Tudela noted that this will be his last Liberation Day after eight years in office.
Tudela, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, said he is retiring from politics.
“As I leave the Office of the Mayor at the end of the year, I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all the support and encouragement you have extended to me during my eight years as the mayor of Saipan. I will continue to remember you all,” he said.
