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Cultural icon David Peter remembered
The Office of the Governor yesterday presented a plaque of appreciation to the family of a cultural icon of the Commonwealth, David “Taulaamwaar” Kapileo Peter, a well-known musician and author of the Carolinian verses to the CNMI National Anthem.
Acting governor Ralph Torres presented the plaque during a short ceremony at the Carolinian Utt around 5pm yesterday.
Relatives and friends watch as a boat carrying family members and Peter’s ashes head into the lagoon. (Dennis B. Chan)
“Through his work toward the advancement and enrichment of the Refaluwasch culture in our islands, and his distinguished service to our country as a member of our armed forces, Taulamwaar will forever play a vital role in the grand narrative of our islands,” Torres read from the certificate yesterday.
Peter’s ashes were cast into the ocean yesterday. A boat took family members out past the lagoon, while other relatives and friends tossed flowers into the ocean in its wake.
An emcee announced at 5:40pm that the family had just released the ashes into the ocean.
Peter was a Vietnam War veteran and is known for leading the band “Rematua.” The band recorded the CNMI’s first album “Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi—Satil Matawal Pasifiko.”
A crowd of family members, lawmakers, and other government officials attended the event yesterday.
