Moore, chief of staff of U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, said during the Battle of Saipan, its “people…knew much of heartbreak, loss, and sacrifice, yet though they faced probably one of the worst times of their lives, they demonstrated sheer bravery to face an unknown future.”
Today, he added, thousands of heroes, including Saipan’s sons and daughters, are fighting a new war.
“Today we are engaged in a struggle as great as any that America has faced throughout her long and honored history. It is a struggle every bit as much a fight for freedom as the war that was fought more than 60 years ago. It is a battle for humanity, for the right of all people — not just Americans — to live in a world free of terror and fear,” he said in his Liberation Day message.
He said in the Pacific, particularly on Saipan, “we are fortunate to live in a place where appreciation for our military heritage and respect for our servicemembers and those who have lived through war is deeply ingrained into the consciousness of the community.”
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his message, described the Battle of of Saipan as one of the “most destructive” in the Pacific.
“We remember the veterans and heroes of World War II for their courage and sacrifice, as well as all the military veterans and military service personnel who have served us so well throughout the years, and who continue to serve and defend us today.”
The governor said in celebrating Liberation Day, the people must remember that “the price of peace and liberty was enormous.”
He added, “Too many have paid too high a price for us to forget or to take anything for granted.”
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, for his part, said not a single resident of the island today would like to suffer through the horrific difficulties endured by their parents and grandparents during the war.
“Rising from the ashes of that great conflict, it was such a humble beginning for all the people who survived the Battle of Saipan. But time heals all wounds, and today, that war is just a distant memory,” he said.
Tudela said the CNMI, as a proud member of the American political family, should renew efforts to spread peace for the nation’s future generations.
