Today, Wednesday, the Commonwealth joins the rest of the nation in observing Veterans Day.
“Please join the CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs and our military community in commemorating Veterans Day at 11 a.m. [today, Nov. 11] at the American Memorial Park Court of Honor,” the administration said.
According to the governor’s proclamation, “For generations, the men and women of the Marianas have boldly answered the call to serve with great pride and distinction in the nation’s armed forces.”
The proclamation added, “These soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen have endured many sacrifices to defend the freedoms that make our islands and nations what it is today.”
Following the signing of a proclamation on Friday declaring November as CNMI Veterans and Military Families Month, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first row fourth right, poses for a photo with local veterans, other CNMI officials and community members. Office of the Governor photo
The Commonwealth has more than 1,000 servicemembers and veterans.
“Behind each of these servicemembers are their families, or spouses, children, and parents who have also had their share of sacrifices, from long deployments to relocation, adjusting to new neighborhoods and schools, having to make new friends, and sometimes even putting their careers on hold,” the proclamation stated.
“We salute their services, honor their sacrifices, and honor them for supporting this nation in every hour of need, and we acknowledge that freedom’s cost continues long after the guns fall silent.
“Many of our veterans bear the disabilities and scars of military service. The families of those who never returned from their service live always with a profound sense of loss.
“It is our duty to remember what our veterans have done and to uphold our commitments to them and their families.”
