COMMUNITY members and CNMI officials gathered at American Memorial Park on Friday, Oct. 27 to hold a memorial ceremony for the Chamorro and Carolinian civilians who died during World War Two.
The ceremony was hosted by the 17th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council at the Marianas Memorial Courtyard.
In his remarks, former Gov. Juan N. Babauta said the local war casualties “taught us a life lesson: that the loss of life, whether participant or bystander of that war, is indeed the ultimate sacrifice… We will never forget the names on these walls for they were our grandparents, uncles, aunties brothers and sisters, cousins and friends.”
Babauta noted that the monument was erected on June 14, 2004, the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan.
“The lives of babies, children, and adults of the civilian populations of Chamorros and Carolinians engraved in these walls here were cut short and taken from us,” Babauta said. “They sheltered in caves and other locations with no food, no water, terrified and hungry — a grim reminder of the horror of war.”
Former Rep. LJ Castro, the master of ceremonies, said 933 names are engraved on the walls of the Marianas Memorial Courtyard.
Following Babauta’s remarks, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and other CNMI officials participated in a wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremony.
Community members and leaders gather at the Marianas Memorial Courtyard on Oct. 27 at American Memorial Park.
Former Gov. Juan N. Babauta delivers an address.
Northern Islands Mayor Valentine Taisacan, left, and Saipan Mayor RB Camacho, right, approach the Marianas Memorial Courtyard to lay a wreath.
Luis Kapileo blows a kulu, a conch shell, during the candle lighting ceremony.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang lay a wreath during a memorial service for the Chamorro and Carolinian war casualties of World War II.
