‘We shall never forget’

As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks draws near, U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and CNMI Alicia A.G. Limtiaco expressed gratitude to the fallen soldiers from the CNMI, Guam, and other Pacific islands, including their families, for their sacrifices and commitment, which she said will not be forgotten.

“The anniversary of Sept. 11 is a day to remember those we lost and to stand with their families and loved ones. We pay tribute to the lives of those people who were taken from us and to reaffirm that their legacy is a safer and more resilient America,” said Limtiaco at the commemoration ceremony of the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, held at the Seaside Hall of Saipan Grand Hotel.

Families of fallen soldiers, government officials, and other community members attended yesterday’s solemn ceremony.

Limtiaco, in her remarks, said that “extraordinary and unprecedented efforts” have been taken by U.S. troops, law enforcers, and first responders following the Sept. 11 events. More than 2 million troops have been deployed more than 2.5 million times in war zones and these troops include “our generation of sons and daughters of the Pacific” who “have put forth a tremendous effort to ensure that all humanity is being protected around the world.”

“The Sept. 11 generation have upheld the virtues of service, sacrifice, and selflessness that have always been the source of America’s strength. As the beneficiaries of their service, we have a sacred duty to support all of our troops, military families, and veterans,” said Limtiaco.

Limtiaco said the Pacific island communities are capable of withstanding whatever dangers may come and should draw on the resilience of the American people “to overcome the challenges of our time.”

“We must also continue to draw strength from our diversity as a nation, including those from different races, ethnicities, cultures, and religions, as it is our diversity as a people and the strength that we gain from it that contributes to our resiliency as a nation during these challenging times,” she added.

Simple tribute

During the ceremony, a video production depicting photographs of servicemen and women during their deployment and on their way home were presented to pay tribute to the 41 fallen heroes from the Pacific and to service members who continue to protect the nation’s freedom and democracy.

Of the 41 fallen soldiers, nine are from CNMI, 20 from Guam, six from Pohnpei, three from Palau, and one each from Yap, Chuuk, and Majuro.

The presentation drew quiet sobs from family members of the seven soldiers who attended the ceremony.

Each family was given a flower to offer at an improvised memorial-which consisted of a soldier’s hard hat, a rifle, boots, and black box-as the song Fallen But Not Forgotten was played.

Rosita Leon Guerrero Pangelinan, mother of Sgt. Brian S. Leon Guerrero of Guam, said the pain remains even after three years since his death. Leon Guerrero was in Afghanistan, his third deployment, when he died on July 10, 2008.

“A piece of my heart is gone with him and the pain and tears, it’s always going to be there. It’s going to be there forever,” she said after the ceremony.

Pangelinan said she’s very proud of her son, “our hero,” and all the other fallen soldiers. She’s thankful to the community for remembering them for their service to the country.

“I just hope and pray that those deployed soldiers now come home safely,” she added.

Jesus M. Castro, father of Sgt. Jesse J.J. Castro of Guam, said it’s an honor that fallen heroes are not forgotten and still continue to be recognized for their efforts, hard work, and sacrifice to serve the nation and protect its freedom.

The younger Castro died on Dec. 6, 2006, during his second tour in Iraq.

“I’m very much proud of him and his accomplishments not only as a soldier but as a citizen in our small islands because he was a person who had total respect to any individual in our community. He was greatly appreciated by many and honored by many,” Jesus Castro told Saipan Tribune.

Jesus Castro urged not only the families but the community to pray for the soldiers and the entire nation to give comfort and protection during these challenging times. “Prayer is the most powerful thing in this world,” he added.

Rep. Janet Maratita, aunt of Cpl. Leeroy A. Camacho, said, “This is really a very honorable thing for the world to commemorate and to remind the families and all the people that we should all live in peace and freedom is not free. We have to be grateful.”

U.S. Attorney General Eric J. Holder, Jr., in a recorded message, vowed to uphold “the rights and freedoms they [fallen soldiers] fought to defend and to support all those who are still serving in harm’s way.”

The Tactical Response Enforcement Team of the Department of Public Safety led the posting of colors while Amber Mendiola led the singing of the national and CNMI anthems.

Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez, apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, read a passage from the Hebrew Scriptures and offered the invocation. Pastor Raymond S. Kinsella gave the benediction at the end.