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Posted on Dec 29 2011
I recently had the honor of visiting your beautiful island. I came to Saipan to stand on the beach where my father came ashore in June of 1944. It was a pilgrimage of sorts. I came to pay tribute. He was wounded but survived the assault. He is gone now but I believe he knows I came to Saipan.
For my whole life “Saipan” meant only war and destruction, hatred and death. It was pictures in history books or film clips showing the horrors of war. Now having been to Saipan everything is changed. My travel companion-a lifelong family friend who knew my father-and I enjoyed the attention, courtesy, and yes, friendship of some people who I shall never forget. Your people in the restoration department in the Japanese blockhouse made my trip to Saipan unforgettable. Herman, Tom, Merti, John and Jay made it their job to ensure we visited every site and experienced both the remnants of war on the island and the warmth and beauty of Saipan and it’s people.
Now, to me, Saipan is not just a place where my father faced death and a former fanatical enemy but it is also a place of peace and beauty. My wish for Saipan is that the traces of war finally rust away and it grows and prospers as the wonderful people of your island home so richly deserve. Saipan to me is now a place where I know people I call “friend.” May God bless Saipan. Hafa adai and todu maolek! (I hope I spelled that correctly!)
Brian Faracy
Delafield, Wisconsin
