The Fraternal Order of Eagles-Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club float drives down Beach Road during the 78th Liberation Day parade.
Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, third left, waves to the camera aboard their float.
THE Rota Mayor’s Office and the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club topped their respective categories in the Liberation Day parade float competition on Thursday. Each received $5,000.
The Rota Mayor’s Office was the winner in the government division while the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club ruled the nonprofit organization division.
Two government offices participated in the government division while five non-profit organizations joined the competition. There were three other participating floats, but they did not compete.
Hundreds of island residents lined Beach Road during the parade, which featured 55 participating organizations, including U.S. Military service members, the Saipan Awaodori Team, the United Filipino Organization, the Korean Association, the Rota Mayor’s Office, and Herman’s Modern Bakery, among other groups.
The Saipan Mayor’s Office organized the Liberation Day festivities.
“It’s very impressive,” Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said, referring to the turnout. “The economy is down,’ he added, “but the people are stronger when we continue to work together. It really shows that the people really came out and showed their support in joining us in celebrating our 78th Liberation Day.”
Camacho said the celebration was for residents of every background.
“I always mention that this island is no longer just Chamorro and Carolinian,” he said. “It’s a real diverse community, so as a mayor of this municipality I’ve called on [different cultural groups] to join me and let’s all partner to promote a safe community, safe villages, and a clean island.”
Liberation Day is celebrated annually to mark the permanent closure on July 4, 1946 of civilian internment camps on Saipan, allowing Chamorros and Carolinians to fully return to their land and private lives following World War II.
This year’s grand marshal was Pete “Bulitourigh” Igitol, a World War II survivor.
“We continue to share the history of the war and, as much as possible, to meet with [war survivors] while they’re still with us,” Camacho said. “I really appreciate them for joining us. The young generation should meet with them and get more information about the war and local history.”
