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Field of Heroes remembers 9/11
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog pose with members of the TSL Foundation and representatives of the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the Commonwealth Ports Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting department. (Erwin Encinares)
A private-led effort to remember 9/11 victims and the hundreds of emergency responders kicked off yesterday with a proclamation signing at the Office of the Governor that also signaled the start of efforts to raise both funds and awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Surrounded by veterans, law enforcers, Tan Siu Lin Foundation officials, and TanHoldings executives, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed yesterday a proclamation declaring Sept. 11 to 18 as Field of Heroes Recognition Week.
The week marks the start of the weeklong 2nd Annual Field of Heroes, which seeks to unite the Saipan, Tinian, and Rota community to remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, especially “those who have perished” as well as honor those who responded to the call for help in its aftermath and those who continue to battle terrorism up to this day.
The 2nd Annual Field of Heroes would entail the posting of American flags on Saipan at the American Memorial Park on Sept. 10.
Flags have already been posted at the Tinian Veterans Memorial Park last Sept. 5 and Rota’s Corporal Joe G. Charfauros Jr. Veterans Memorial Park last Sept. 7.
Individuals and companies sponsor the posting of the flags. A $10 donation sponsors a flag at the event site, with the donor’s names and the recipient’s names; a $15 donation gets you an event shirt; and a $20 sponsorship will get you a 3×5 flag that may be claimed on Sept. 18 onwards, or after the retiring of the flags. Proceeds would finance the treatment of local PTSD patients.
Those interested in donating to patients with PTSD may proceed to any Shirley’s Coffee Shop branches in Garapan and Susupe or any iShop location at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Kanoa Resort, and Paseo de Marianas. Those interested in donating on Rota and Tinian may visit their respective mayor’s offices for donations.
A ceremony remembering Sept. 11, 2001, would be held at the American Memorial Park and at Tinian’s Veterans Memorial Park on Sept. 11, while Rota’s ceremony would be held today.
Prior to the ceremony, a freedom walk would ensue at 5pm, starting from Garapan Fishing Base to the American Memorial Park.
