9/11 commemoration event starts Saturday

The Field of Heroes: We Will Never Forget will kick off the CNMI-wide commemoration event for 9/11 this Saturday, Sept. 4, with around 500 U.S. flags to be displayed at the American Memorial Park.

“TanHoldings and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation are honored to once again hold The Field of Heroes to remember the brave people who risked and lost their own lives saving others’ on that fateful day, and to also recognize our community heroes for their decision to continue to serve and say ‘yes’ to the call of duty,” said Catherine Attao-Toves, TanHoldings vice president for corporate affairs and human resources.

Public and private agencies, as well as individuals, are welcome to sponsor flags in honor or memory of their heroes. Flags will be on display at the AMP from Sept. 4 to 30, while Tinian will have them from Sept. 7 to 17 at the Tinian Veterans Memorial Park, and Rota from Sept. 9 to Nov. 12 at the Corporal Joe G. Charfauros Jr. Rota Veterans Memorial Park.

Each island also plans to have other activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. On Saipan, organizers are working with the Department of Public Safety for a motorcade on Sept. 11, while Rota will do the same on Sept. 17. On Tinian, there will be roadside waving on Sept. 10 along Route 201, while Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan will deliver a commemorative video message.

Attao-Toves said all these activities will be held to also recognize the people who are keeping the CNMI safe amid the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we continue to fight the war on terrorism, we are also battling a pandemic. Our strength and resiliency have been tested by one disaster after another, but throughout all these difficult situations, our Marianas stand strong. Leading our community’s spirit of strength is our community heroes, our first responders, law enforcement officers, military, and veterans,” Attao-Toves said.

Commemorative shirts and flags will be available on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. On Tinian, one can avail of a shirt for a donation of $10, while for a donation of $20, one can sponsor a flag for their chosen hero. On Saipan, a $10 donation will get one a commemorative shirt and flag sponsorship (one flag, one hero name). Details of the donation drive on Rota will be announced later. All proceeds from The Field of Heroes: We Will Never Forget will be donated to the Community Heroes Program of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.

For more information, contact Attao-Toves at 235-0561, Ext. 116 or email her at catherine_attao@tanholdings.com or call Rina Robles at 235-0516, Ext. 118. (PR)