No state funeral for Dela Cruz

The late Purple Heart awardee, retired Marine Corporal Cristino S. Dela Cruz, may not be getting a state funeral at his burial Monday, but military honors will be provided before the local hero is finally laid to his resting place.

A last-minute attempt by legislators to amend existing law on state funerals so that he can be given one, has derailed as the Senate has yet to hold its session to pass the bill introduced in the House of Representatives.

The CNMI Veterans Office, however, will extend official services when Mr. Dela Cruz is buried this Monday in exchange for the state funeral, according to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio.

He also said personnel and officers of the Department of Public Safety will be on hand to participate in the funeral. Mr. Dela Cruz, who passed away March 26 at the age of 73, served at the department.

Recipient of the Purple Heart with Gold Star medal, the local war hero died just nine days after Brig. Gen. R.E. Parker, commanding general of the Marine Corps base in Hawaii who represented Marine Corps Commandant General James L. Jones., gave the awards in a ceremony held at his residence in Capitol Hills.

Mr. Dela Cruz, who was bed-ridden for a year prior to his death, received one of the highest awards given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for his military service during World War II.

He had earlier been given official recognition by the Department of Defense for serving as native scout or guide to the Marines, along with 55 other Chamorro and Carolinian men, and discharged with the rank of corporal.

They helped U.S. forces flush out Japanese holdouts on Saipan and the Northern Islands after their invasion of the Marianas in 1944.

Mr. Dela Cruz earned the Purple Heart for risking his life while in an active duty. He was wounded twice during the Marine operations.

Although Mr. Dela Cruz had been recognized for his heroism and courage, the CNMI state funeral law does not cover individuals with extraordinary contributions or achievements.

Under the law, only high-ranking government officials, police and fire officers killed in the line of duty as well as judges and justices are entitled to a state funeral.

The House amendment will allow the governor flexibility to expand its coverage to other individuals as well he deems appropriate of receiving the honor. (Benhur C. Saladores)