September is ‘We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month’

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Tan Holdings CEO and president Jerry Tan, Tan Holdings and Tan Siu Lin Foundation officials, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the CNMI’s first responders, local dignitaries, sponsors, CNMI government employees, and members of the community gathered yesterday at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport to proclaim the month of September as the “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month” in honor of the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 Attacks. (FAHIM UDDIN)

To commemorate the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed a proclamation declaring September as “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month” yesterday at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.

“Today, we honor the tragic events of this day, and those lost and put their lives on the line,” said Torres.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 Attacks, as both the private and the public  sector come together to support the families who lost their loved ones.

“The events of September 11, 2001, profoundly affected us all, showing our nation’s resilience in the face of tragedy, unifying and strengthening our resolve against global terrorism; and each year, citizens across our nation honor and remember those who lost their lives during these tragic events…and we continue to offer support to the families who lost loved ones in the devastating events of that day through prayer and reflection,” he said.

Torres was joined in the proclamation signing yesterday by Tan Holdings vice president for Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Catherine Attao-Toves, who spearheaded the event, along with Tan Holdings president and CEO Jerry Tan, acting Saipan mayor Ana Demapan-Castro, Transportation Security Administration director Gary Myers, and Tan Holdings Corporate Business Development vice president Alex Sablan.

“We want to always bring into the attention of the community so that even the young people can remember what happened 21 years ago. This is important not only for us adults but also young people to understand what sacrifices happened in this event,” said Tan.

Sablan pointed out that Attao-Toves should earn more praise for coordinating the event.

“[Catherine] brought the idea that what occurred on 9/11 and honoring those who perished, and also our first responders heroes, and so we come together and to use this day to honor those individuals who put their time and effort to keep us safe.” said Sablan.

“It’s a great event for remembrance and sacrifices for the people who passed away,” said Myers.

Myers also said he feels blessed that his employees earned the praise and recognition, as they worked under him for almost 20 years.

The whole community is invited to join the “We Will Never Forget Motorcade”  tomorrow, Sept. 10, starting at 9am at the American Memorial Park, as they continue to honor, remember, and be thankful for the oath that was sworn by firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, enforcement officers, first responders, military, and veterans.