Fisher: Fallen heroes guaranteed ‘better hope, life’

Saipan resident Linda T. Cabrera was brought to tears by yesterday’s Memorial Day Ceremony. “It means so much to our family because of the recent passing of our mother and the service of our father,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Cabrera, the daughter of fallen Scout Marine Gregorio Cabrera, 81, was joined by dozens of politicians, judges, military officials, and members of the community yesterday at the CNMI Veteran’s Cemetery in Marpi to commemorate Memorial Day.

Families and friends participated in the memorial tribute and flower presentation that paid homage to their loved ones.

Cabrera’s father, who died of natural causes in 2006, was deployed on his first mission before she was even born. The misty-eyed daughter said that Monday’s ceremony was a way to “honor the service members who saved us.” Her mother, Escolastica, was also laid to rest eight months ago.

She recalled the war stories her father used to tell her. “He would always tell me about how he served as a Scout marine. After World War II, he was one of many who were selected to join the military forces to clean up the remnants of the war and seek possible Japanese militants still hiding in the jungles.”

Cabrera’s story was one of many at the Memorial Day Service.

According to CNMI Veterans Affairs Office director Vicente Camacho, military families, especially in the past 13 years, have faced the uncertainty of everyday life when their loved ones are deployed.

“It seems like a never-ending cycle of deployment as recent as the deployment of the Guam National Guard, who lost two soldiers,” he said. “Families of these fallen heroes leave behind families to fend for themselves. Wives have to take the role as head of the household, wives or husbands become single parents raising children.”

The families, he said, are deprived of the normal family setting and the life they deserve.

“We as a society need to realize that our fallen soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he added.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos expressed similar sentiments.

“This is a special feeling because we are about to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian this year,” he said in his welcoming address. “Today brings with it a plethora of emotion. For some it brings a feeling of sorrow, thinking of loved ones who are no longer with us. For some, this day, are still mourning. For other it brings a sense of pride. Pride knowing that when the going gets tough, there are people who stood in the face of adversity and who are brave enough to defend them, knowing the dangers that await them.”

Monday’s event also featured keynote speaker Maj. Neal V. Fisher II.

Fisher, Marine Corps Activity Guam Public Affairs Officer, said the fallen heroes’ sacrifice “guaranteed a better hope and life for all of us.”

“We honor their ultimate commitment to duty, honor, and country. The service members we honor today come from all walks of life, but they share several fundamental qualities. They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, and integrity,” he added.

Fisher said that many of the fallen did not ask to leave their homes to fight in distant battlefields.

“They did not go to war because they love fighting, they were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways. They rose to the nations call because they want to protect the nations, who have given them, who have given us, so much.”

Over 50 fallen heroes’ graves were graced with flowers and lit by candles in tribute of their service. Distinguished guests and military and veteran service members laid a ceremonial wreath in front of the Veterans Ceremony, following a 21-gun salute with Taps resonating in the background.

The Marianas High School chorus, Saipan Southern High School JRTOC cadets, and Saipan Pacific Winds Concert band assisted with music and the posting of colors. (Thomas Manglona II)