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What Liberation Day means to me
The invasion of Saipan started with bombardment on June 10, 1944, and continued day and night followed by the landing of the American forces on June 15, 1944. Saipan was essentially secured approximately two months later.
Sometime during the early part of July 1944, three Marines liberated us from the cave where we hid for about three weeks. In early part of 1945 after the U.S. military construction battalion did some major repairs and renovation of the Chalan Kanoa houses (which were not too badly damaged), the natives were moved to Chalan Kanoa Camp. In order to protect the villagers from harm, the military government installed a fence all around Chalan Kanoa. Insular constabulary was organized to ensure that we were unharmed. Gates were installed at the main entrance of Chalan Kanoa and at the east side of the village with IC guarding the gates. Workers were issued numbered ID cards to ensure security and safety while they were at work. The Civil Affairs government organized a group of young able men to help the Marines clear the island with those who were still hiding in the “boon-dock.”
On July 4, 1947, three years after the encampment, the Civil Affairs government decided to take down the fences and permitted the local folks to freely go around the island. Many of us took the opportunity to visit our respective farms and began a normal life. This indeed is the freedom that we enjoy and celebrate each July 4th. It is a coincident that July 4th is also celebrated by the U.S. as its Independence Day.
Let us thank God for the freedom that we now enjoy.
David M. Sablan Sr.
Papago, Saipan
