CNMI joins rest of nation in honoring Merchant Marines

For the first time, the CNMI joined the rest of the nation yesterday in honoring the historic and ongoing contributions of America’s Merchant Marines.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial became the first CNMI governor to officially pay tribute to the Merchant Marines by declaring May 22 as National Maritime Day in the Commonwealth during a proclamation signing at Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

“Thank you for joining me today in this historic first proclamation in honor of our Merchant Marines—our indispensable lifelines for commerce and national security,” Fitial said.

The governor urged the people to observe the day by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and other suitable places in honor of the merchant marines.

Fitial said as a small group of islands heavily dependent on outside sources of supply and trade, it is very fitting and proper that CNMI finally recognize the heroic work of America’s Merchant Marines, in peacetime and in war.

The chief executive cited that during World War II more than 6,000 lives were lost and 733 ships were sunk for the American and Allied victory over the Axis Powers.

“Today, I am very proud to join President George W. Bush, and all of the presidents before him since the term of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in saluting our Merchant Marines, past and present, for their gallant efforts in preserving our democracy and free market economy,” Fitial said.

At 5pm yesterday, officers of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the governor’s office, Navy League, and Merchant Marines and other maritime personnel boarded a crew ship that sailed toward the anchorage area where a wreath-laying ceremony was held.

Capt. Ron Kennedy, commander of the Maritime Prepositioning Ships, talked about the significant roles played by the Merchant Marine during war and peace time.

“It’s an honor to be invited along and to participate in the ceremony and events that have been held throughout the day…Maritime National Day,” Kennedy told the Saipan Tribune after the symbolic throwing of wreath to the sea.

Chris Davis, chief staff officer for MPS Ron 3, said it is basically a celebration of all the maritime groups that are involved here in Saipan.

“We have a large Merchant Marine presence here. Probably there are four or five ships that are constantly rotating through. But we have several of the Merchant Marines who actually live here on Saipan. So this is their home,” said Davis in an interview with Saipan Tribune.

“I am really happy to see it [celebration]. I’m only been here for a short time so it was really, really good to see the support that we’re getting. That celebration was just a wonderful thing,” Davis said.

Judge David A. Wiseman, chairman of the Armed Forces committee of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, said it is good to see Saipan joining for the first time celebrating the National Maritime Day.

“We forget how important the maritime industry is to us. They supply all the goods and merchandise that comes in. They import 85 percent of almost all the goods that we need,” Wiseman said.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce took the initiative in sponsoring yesterday’s events with the assistance of the governor’s office and the Navy League.