“The observance is still important especially to the new generation. This has become a tradition not only to the immediate family members but to the people on island,” he said, after he placed hand-made leis made at the 13 Fishermen Memorial Monument on Beach Road.
The occasion, he said, was very meaningful and very touching.
Florence Kirby, one of the organizers of the event, said she will always remember her brother Silvestre R. Selepeo, one of those who perished.
“He took care of me,” she said, adding that she helped raise his brother’s children after the tragedy.
Kirby said the annual gathering strengthens the bonds of the fishermen’s families.
Manny Kaniki, one of the family members, said the new generation should continue to honor their dearly departed each year on Sept. 23.
Patrick Romolor said they should never forget the good deeds of those who died.
He said he was 19-year-old when his father Isidro R. Romolor perished along with Joseph Lisua, Martin L. Saures, Pedro L. Mettao, Joseph R. Kaipat, Benusto M. Lisua, Silvestre R. Selepeo, Juan Benusto R. Olopai, Jovencio C. Falguera, Joaquin L. Moteisou, Jose T. Igisaiar, Enrique L. Moteisou and Guillermo Suares.
“We usually go fishing together,” he said.
Cecilia Lisua said they brought their children and grandchildren to the memorial Mass to “teach them how to commemorate the event each year in case we are already gone.”
She said they’ve also asked members of the Filipino community to join and honor the memory of Jovencio C. Falguera who was from the Philippines.
Fr. Celso Magbuana, in his homily, said the fishermen “lived worthy lives.”
Two other fishermen — Antonio S. Fitial and Emilio T. Lisua — died on the same day in 1986 and were also honored.
Friday’s program culminated with the floating of 13 flower bouquets on the lagoon.
