A GESTURE of peace.
This was how Gov. Arnold I. Palacios described the reenactment on Saturday of the American landing on Invasion Beach at the Civic Center in Susupe during the Battle of Saipan 80 years ago.
The governor and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang witnessed Jack Padley, William Michels and Dave Knisley walking the same path that their fathers took as they disembarked from the military vessels that landed on the beach on June 15, 1944.
“This is a solemn day, and I am very happy that these folks are able to make it here to help us celebrate this day,” the governor said, referring to the sons of the World War II veterans.
Palacios also noted the presence of dignitaries from the U.S. military and Japan, who were accompanied by members of the Japanese media.
Among the guest speakers were Brig. Gen. John Jarrard, the commanding general of the 4th Marine Division, and Japan Consul Ryoji Takagaki.
Western Pacific Marine Academy Executive Director Michael W. Bacher, whose cadets assisted in the presentation of the wreath at the Court of Honor at Susupe Beach, said two things were being commemorated: the initial stages of the liberation of Saipan; and the brave Marines, soldiers, sailors and other servicemembers who lost their lives here “on this very soil 80 years ago today.”
Jack Padley, Dave Knisley and William Michels Jr. reenact the landing of their fathers and other American servicemembers on Invasion Beach on June 15, 1944 at what is now known as the Civic Center in Susupe during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
William Michels Jr., Jack Padley and Dave Knisley pose next to a wreath at a memorial at Invasion Beach in Susupe. Also in photo are the Marines and the Western Pacific Maritime Academy cadets led by Executive Director Capt. Michael W. Bacher.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang shake hands with the U.S. Marines who took part in the reenactment of the U.S. landing on Invasion Beach during the Battle of Saipan in Susupe on Saturday, June 15, 2024.