That’s how Karmen Ohri described American Memorial Park.
Ohri’s family seldom visits the park but what happened on Tuesday afternoon was a reunion of sorts.
The Villagomez-Ohri-Castro-Borja families, which are related to each other, held their “family day” and their special guest was another relative, Christopher Caliwan, 19, a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.
Caliwan came back to Saipan, which he left in 2008, and he intends to spend his 11-day vacation here.
“While here I will try to show my best to my family before going back to work,” he said.
By January next year, Caliwan will be deployed to Afghanistan.
“Nothing has changed in this area,” he said, referring to the park. “This park is still the favorite hangout of the family and old friends meet here.”
The Villagomez-Ohri-Castro-Borja families spent at least two hours enjoying the serenity of the place while they enjoyed their food and drinks.
Family picnics, children playing, pets, tourists, joggers are among the common daily sights at the park.
From church, Ohri said they went straight to the park.
“I hope people would always keep this park clean. Let us not litter, and I encouraged the kids not to destroy the plants,” she said.
Joe Villagomez said although they rarely visit the park, every time they do so creates beautiful memories for them.
“We always meet new friends here,” he said.
American Memorial Park honors the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemembers during the Marianas campaign of World War II.
It has recreational facilities, a World War II museum, and flag monument for the memory of over 4,000 U.S. military personnel and local islanders who died here during the war.
At the park, situated in the heart of Garapan, you can play baseball or tennis, ride a bicycle, walk, jog, picnic, swim or simply enjoy the relaxing scenery.
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