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Simple ceremony ushers in Liberation Day festivities
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Posted on Jun 19 2011
The opening of the 2011 Liberation Day festivities was marked with a simple ceremony held at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday night.
The Marianas High School JROTC Color Guards did the posting of the colors, while pastor Tim Williams delivered the invocation. The Umang Glee Club of the Koblerville Elementary School performed the U.S. and the CNMI national anthems.
John Hosono served as the master of ceremony at Friday’s opening night.
2011 Liberation Day chair Jonas Barcinas, in his remarks, said the annual celebration is a reminder of the inspiring bravery in the face of adversity of the men and women who lived and fought during the war.
“Let us thank everyone who has made our liberation possible. Sixty-six years of liberation is a profound achievement that many individuals do not have,” he told his audience.
Barcinas urged the community to “learn from the past and be brave.” “Let us take our liberation and be the best humans we can be,” he added.
Rep. Raymond Palacios (Cov-Saipan) replaced Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) as the keynote speaker at the event.
In an interview, Palacios said the time has come for the community to honor the countless lives sacrificed in exchange for freedom.
“We should not take this occasion for granted because there were human lives sacrificed and spared. We should also teach the younger generations about the significance of this event,” he told Saipan Tribune.
The three Liberation Day Queen candidates—Joni C. Castro, Mariah I. Ada, and Nizelynn Masayos—were also introduced to the audience that night.
“They will be selling their tickets and please do not shy from it. Please help by purchasing some to help run the operation effectively. Raffle tickets are also available on the grounds,” said Barcinas.
The Liberation carnival grounds will be open on weekdays from 6pm to 11pm except on Wednesdays and Fridays, which will be from 7pm to 11pm to give to the scheduled mass at Kristo Rai Church.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the carnival grounds will be open from 6pm to midnight.
The Liberation festivities, which will be highlighted by the annual Fourth of July parade, will run until July 10.
