To begin with, there already exist a road in memory of Cpl. Joe Charfaurus Jr. in Sinapalo village; therefore, renaming the Rota Veterans Memorial Park after him is a redundancy. This would have been pointed out in a public hearing. The bill was introduced on March 26th with final reading on April 1st. Five days — imagine what they could accomplish if CUC, the economy and other life-threatening issues are addressed with equal efficiency.
Although my previous letters were aimed at the Rota legislative delegation initially, I’ve found out that the entire CNMI Senate sponsored the bill. Two of the senators are veterans and the bill and was signed into law on May 12th. There was more than enough time for the sponsors to put together some kind of ceremony to memorialize their action. Yet they elected not to and left the family by themselves. I wonder why. Were they afraid or perhaps former Councilman Tom Quitugua interpreted it right: it’s just a political gimmick. Thank you Councilman. I’m sure your comment, “for all heroes, both living and dead,” is appreciated by all veterans.
May I recommend to those naming-enthusiasts in the Senate that a commission be formed to name sites, roads, streets, etc, on Rota so that application is fair and impartial, and not randomly for just friends, relatives and family members. It’s the right thing to do.
There was a comment directed to veterans being jealous and other derogatory remarks. Well, coming from a sibling, we do expect such reaction. However, we are not just mad, we are outraged! Understand this also — all veteran who’ve witnessed their brother’s-in-arms last breath, smell and felt the warmth of their blood in battle, experienced trauma beyond imagination and are haunted with the nightmares until the day we die. As for wanting something named after us, please remember that the Rota Veterans Memorial Park was named for all us until the Senate’s political ploy.
Just so you know, veterans are achievers; CSM Martin T. Manglona, a son of Rota, commands hundreds of sgts .and thousands of cpls. and pvts.; SGM Herman M. Atalig was in a similar command authority until he retired and has been an icon in preparing our youth for military life as a JROTC instructor. As for a true hero in the line of duty, Sgt. Nobert Apatang distinguished himself and was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. So you see, there are others with heroic deeds not recognized, but are satisfied with Rota Veterans Memorial Park simply because it’s for all of us.
Lastly, SGM Atalig’s suggestion that a “WALL OF UNSANG HEROES” be built instead of changing the name of the park was and still is, an excellent idea; if only the powers that be are more transparent. With imagination on the design, it could even be an added tourist attraction, especially with a list of those killed in action, for valorous deeds like Sgt. Apatang and a listing of all Rota veterans and active members of the armed services from Rota. Awesome!
ANDY M. RAMOS
Member, VAR
Dededo, Guam
