CNMI Military and Veterans Affairs Executive Director Ruth Coleman said 65-year-old Ray Alvarez died on Guam on May 14. He is the fourth veteran to be buried at the Veterans Cemetery since January this year, and the fifth to pass away. Three of those who have been buried at the Veterans Cemetery were dependents of veterans, while one veteran was buried at the Chalan Kanoa cemetery.
Coleman said Alvarez was one of the veterans residing in the CNMI who fought in the Vietnam War.
“We are forever grateful to our veterans for all the sacrifices they made for our country. They may have passed on, but what they have done for us will stay with us to remember forever,” Coleman said.
She said Mass will be held at the Kristo Rai Church in Garapan at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the burial rites will be at 12 noon in Marpi.
“We are inviting the community to join us on Wednesday as family and friends and the Veterans office bid goodbye to another hero who has done so much for us,” Coleman said.
Alvarez will be buried with full military honors from the 9th Mission Support Command from Hawaii, Coleman said.
Alvarez is survived by his wife Linda Mesa and their children.
