Col. Daniel J. Settergren, commander of the 36th Contingency Response Group at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, was yesterday’s keynote speaker.
He urged everybody to reflect on the occasion and say “thank you” to the veterans of the nation’s armed forces.
“I share the pride you feel in kinship with those who serve the greatest military in the world. The camaraderie we share in the military stays with us all our lives,” Settergren said.
The nation, he added, owes a great debt to the Reservists and Guardsmen who balance military commitments with their civilian lives.
“For many veterans, service has meant multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I salute you and the brave men and women of Saipan for your service to our country,” Settergren said.
He added that today, about 1 percent of Americans serve in the military but Saipan’s level of commitment to the military is unusually high.
He said the Department of Veterans Affairs recently pledged more than $3 billion to get homeless veterans off the nation’s streets.
“Many of our warriors are wounded physically or psychologically and need our compassion and support,” he said.
Veterans Affairs, he added, could use volunteers to help tip the balance in a veteran’s life.
“Maintaining veteran cemeteries [also] show our commitment and resolve to never forget the lives of our veterans as we maintain their final resting places,” he said.
Halfway through Settergren’s speech, a B-52 of the 36th Wing from Andersen Air Force Base on Guam made a flyover at the park.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his message, praised the veterans for guarding freedom and bringing hope to millions who once lived in fear.
CNMI Military and Veterans Affairs Office Executive Director Ruth Coleman, in her closing remarks, said her office is always ready to assist veterans.
“It is most appropriate that we recall the contribution and the sacrifices which so many of our men and women and their families have made in order to permit this country to now occupy its present position of responsibility and freedom. In an age that threatens the survival of freedom, we join together to honor those who made our freedom possible,” Coleman said.
Park Ranger Nancy Kelchner led the recognition of the veterans from all branches of the military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
