277 individuals, including World War II veterans and their families, will arrive on Saipan beginning this Wednesday, Pacific Development Inc. Director Gordon I. Marciano said.
“Sons, daughters, grandchildren and returning WWII U.S. Veterans are set to hit our shores on March 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 27th with the last guests departing March 31st,” he added.
Marciano said guests are with various World War II tour organizers such as Military Historical Tour, Valor Tour, Stephen Ambrose Tour and WWII Museum New Orleans.
CNMI historian Don Farrell will be among the many local individuals who will meet with the guests, Marciano said.
“The returning Saipan/Tinian veterans will be escorted by their children and grandchildren, who…for the first time [will] visit the sites they only heard in…stories shared by loved ones,” he added.
“The veterans will also visit the Court of Honor at American Memorial Park to pay tribute to their fallen comrades,” Marciano said. “Our park rangers are ready to welcome the visitors.”
He said the visit will help bring closure to the veterans’ families.
Marciano said he is thankful to local community members, including private landowners, who will help ensure that the visit is successful.
Marciano also thanked the offices of the governor, lt. governor, the Saipan and Tinian mayors, the Historical Preservation Office, the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Peter Callaghan and his team who will present CNMI medals and certificates to the returning veterans.Â
Gordon Marciano