NOVEMBER is Veterans and Military Families Month during which CNMI Veterans Week is also observed beginning today, Nov. 4.
“For generations, the men and women of the Marianas have boldly answered the call to serve with great pride and distinction in our nation’s armed forces,” Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said on Wednesday. “These soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen have endured many sacrifices to defend the freedoms that make our islands and nation what it is today.”
He added, “Behind these brave servicemembers are their families, spouses, children and parents, who, too, have had their share of sacrifices, from long deployments to relocation, adjusting to new neighborhoods and schools, having to make new friends and sometimes putting their careers on hold.”
The governor said the CNMI has more than 1,000 servicemembers and veterans, each with their own family and unique story.
At the end of World War I, Nov. 11 became known as “Armistice Day” commemorating the end of the conflict at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
The U.S. Congress renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954.
“On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, in defense of our freedom, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States armed forces,” the governor said.
“We salute their services, honor their sacrifices, honor them for supporting this nation in every hour of need, and we acknowledge that freedom’s cost continues long after the guns fall silent. Many of our veterans bear the disabilities and scars of military service,” he added.
“The families of those who never returned from their service live always with a profound sense of loss. It is our duty to remember what our veterans have done and to uphold our commitments to them and their families,” the governor said.
Torres signed a proclamation on Wednesday in the governor’s conference room to mark the occasion. In attendance were CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Stanley T. Iakopo, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, other lawmakers and officials as well as veterans and military family members.
“I encourage everyone in our community to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our islands and our great nation. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication,” the governor said.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Executive Officer Stanley T. Iakopo and the staff of the CNMI Veterans Affairs Office pose for a photo with lawmakers, other officials, local veterans, soldiers of the 100th, 302nd, 797th, and DET Marianas after the signing of a proclamation designating November as CNMI Veterans and Military Families Month, and Nov. 4-11, 2021 as CNMI Veterans Week.
