The Micronesian Repatriation Association members, according to Pacific Development Inc. director Gordon I. Marciano, arrived here midnight of July 5. They are scheduled to return to Okinawa today.
Marciano said the group went to Marpi where its members offered prayers and gifts for their departed love ones on Monday.
On Tuesday and yesterday, Marciano said the group went to Tinian to perform a similar ceremony.
“This year marks the group’s 41st anniversary on Saipan, and the 33rd anniversary for the memorial service on Tinian,” Marciano said.
He said most of the members of the Micronesian Repatriation Association were born on Saipan and Tinian, and most of them have been coming here each year for memorial services.
“A lot of the members have passed away but their children and family members took their place to carry on the tradition,” Marciano said.
Japan Consul Tsutomu Higuchi led the memorial service in Marpi.
Joining the group in Marpi were Saipan Mayor Donald Flores, Reps. Eli Cabrera, R-Saipan, Joseph Palacios, R-Saipan, Edmund Villagomez, Covenant-Saipan, and Fred Deleon Guerrero, Ind.-Saipan.
Marciano said Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio represented the offices of the governor and the lt. governor.
Last night, Marciano said Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz was scheduled to meet the group for a dinner reception after the peace memorial service.
“The group was very excited to be back ‘home,’ as they recall the time and place when they were born and grew up here. To this day, they still share with everybody that they are from Saipan or Tinian,” Marciano said.
