“Year after year we have had cultural presentations. It’s time now to change the theme. Let us design something that will bring happiness to the community,” Atalig told Variety.
He said culture and traditions should be preserved and respected, but for this year’s Liberation Day, “we have to adopt a modern concept of celebration.”
“Let’s forget about the 1960’s idea,” he added. “Too much culture is boring.”
For the parade, Atalig said participants from different ethnic groups, schools and private entities should express a message of joy and enjoyment.
“That’s what liberation is all about — freedom and celebration,” he added.
He said his committee has started sending letters requesting private entities, ethnic communities and public schools to participate and sponsor a float during the Liberation Day parade.
This year’s theme is “Unity and Contentment in times of Diversity.”
In one of his letters, Atalig requested a company to sponsor a special float depicting how the evolving state of technology has brought the people of the world closer to one another.
“The committee is positive that the children, teenagers and the young at hear adults, including our elders would love a representation of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ song, where people of the world also live life in peace. After all, our leadership is set by example, and what better way to exemplify good leadership than through the expression of loving, caring and happy children and family of the world,” he said.
Atalig said his committee understand the economic strain that everyone may be experiencing at the moment, but “this festive occasion is a one time celebration…reserved for reflection on where we have been over the years and how we could all share the bounties during difficult and trying times, lest we forget the good times we have had and good omens that could still come out of living a destitute life.”
In the parade and float competition, Atalig said he has proposed to get judges from the island’s ethnic communities.
He said his budget proposal for the prizes are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place.
During this year’s parade, there will be a special float in recognition of Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela who second term end in January.
First elected in 2001, Tudela was re-elected in 2005 and is constitutionally prohibited from seeking another term.
