KEYNOTE speakers of this year’s Veterans Day ceremony on Friday all agreed: veterans need more support.
“Veterans are defending us 365 days a year. We need to do more to help [them],” said Office of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Marie Salas-Igitol in her opening remarks at American Memorial Park.
Salas-Igitol is a military spouse with multiple family members in all branches of the armed forces.
Having lost family and friends to post-traumatic stress disorder, a common byproduct of serving in the military, she urged the government and community members to do more to provide veterans with a sense of community and belonging.
She suggested that a safe haven be created, a “Veterans for Veterans” center, through government, business, and community support.
In his remarks, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres extended his gratitude to veterans and their families.
“Our servicemembers have braved through challenges to shape the future of our islands and our country. We have a sacred duty to honor our veterans for protecting our islands, our country, our freedom, and everything we stand for. They have supported this nation in every hour of need,” he said.
“Let us honor, acknowledge and never forget what our veterans have done for us and continue to do for us. Let us remember these heroes in their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Let us show our gratitude to our heroes who have gone above and beyond for us, whose selflessness and service to the freedom that makes today, Veterans Day, a day that we truly deserve.”
CNMI Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, in his keynote address, underscored the sacrifices that veterans make for this nation.
“We celebrate this Veterans Day for a few minutes, a few seconds of silence, and then this country’s life goes on. It is most appropriate that we recall on this occasion, and on every other moment when we are faced with great responsibilities, the contributions and sacrifices which so many Americans and their families have made in order to permit this country to now occupy its present position of responsibility, and freedom to permit us to gather here together,” he said.
“Look at our world right now. We are tormented by tension, conflict and the possibilities of endless wars. Yet we meet today in… commemoration of peace in an age that threatens the survival of freedom. We join together to honor those who have made our freedom possible.
“Wars are more destructive and [bloodier] than ever. Man’s capacity to devise new ways of killing his fellow man has far surpassed his capacity to live in peace with his fellow man. Has this day lost its meaning that new and deadly weapons robbed this day of its great value? And whatever name we now give to this day, whatever flags we fly, whatever prayers we utter, is it too late to honor those who died before and too soon to promise the living an end to organize death?”
Govendo said World War I “produced humanity’s first great effort to solve, by international cooperation, the problems of war.”
“That experiment continues in our present time, still woefully imperfect, and still short of its responsibilities,” he said. “But it does offer a hope that someday nations can live in harmony. There is no swift and easy path to peace in our generation. Anyone who has witnessed the tragedies of war cannot advocate war out of frustration or impatience.
“But let no nation confuse perseverance and patience with fear of war or unwillingness to meet our responsibilities. We cannot save ourselves by abandoning those who are our allies, or rejecting our responsibilities, so it is now time to thank our veterans for all they have done.
“These are people who have raised their right hand and have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. These are people who have put their own comfort and familiar places aside and have said goodbye to families and loved ones to be part of something larger than just oneself. God bless our veterans…who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and God bless the families of our veterans. God bless the CNMI and may God continue to bless the United States of America,” Govendo said.
The ceremonial wreath was laid by Gov. Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, veterans and their family members.
Apatang, a veteran with over 20 years of military service, told Variety that every Veterans Day reminds him of his comrades, especially those who passed away during the Vietnam War.
He thanked fellow veterans, their families, and community members for commemorating the special day.
“This is a very special day for me. It’s coming from the heart. As a veteran, you always feel for your comrades, especially those that are no longer here with you today. We definitely need more support for veterans, not just during this day, but year-round. We have a lot of veterans that are always in need of assistance. I have to go seek assistance myself,” he said.
Office of Veterans Affairs Program Coordinator Ramon S. Basa acknowledged various stakeholders, including the Department of Public Safety’s firing detail for the 21-gun salute; Sam Sosa for playing the bagpipe; the Saipan Pacific Winds Concert Band for playing the pre-ceremonial music; Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray Battalion Color Guard for posting and retiring the colors; Gus Kaipat for singing the national and CNMI anthems; Reverend Father Rey Rosal of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa for the opening and closing invocation; master of ceremonies and veteran Brad Ruszala; and the B-1 Airforce Lancer for the flyover above Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and Palau.
Government officials led by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, veterans, family members and community members pay tribute to veterans on Friday after the ceremonial laying of the wreath at the American Memorial Park Court of Honor.
Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray Battalion cadets watch over the U.S. and CNMI flags, and the Veterans Day ceremonial wreath.
The Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray Battalion Color Guard post the U.S. and CNMI colors.
Office of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Marie Salas-Igitol delivers the opening remarks.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres
CNMI Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo
Office of Veterans Affairs program coordinator Ramon S. Basa
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan with the ceremonial wreath as other officials, veterans and cadets look on.
