CNMI celebrates Liberation Day

Hundreds trooped to Beach Road in the tourist district of Garapan to watch the Liberation Day celebration with over 30 groups and 20 colorful floats participating in the yearly festivities.

The parade, participated in by various companies and groups groups representing the diverse cultures in the Northern Marianas, kicked off at around 9:00 a.m. and lasted shortly before noon. More activities proceeded at the American Memorial Park Liberation Carnival site.

Commemorating 54 years of liberation from protective captivity during the second world war, the CNMI community gathered to reflect on this historical event.

Local dignitaries and foreign guests welcomed the opportunity to partake in the special event as they expressed gratitude to the brave soldiers who fought to obtain the freedom Americans enjoy today.

US Naval Forces Marianas Chief of Staff Capt. Jo Dee Jacob who graced the Liberation Day ceremony as keynote speaker also expressed gratitude to all the men and women under all military services who have visited Saipan, particularly crew members of the USS Cushing currently on island to join the festivities.

“Saipan’s reputation for warmth and hospitality is renowned throughout the 7th fleet. Since the recent investment in improving the port of Saipan, over 4,000 sailors and family members have visited. The Commander of the Naval Forces Marianas is pleased to partner with the government in this mutually beneficial enterprise,” the captain said.

Struck by the islands’ incredible beauty, Capt. Jacob lauded the CNMI people for its vigilance in preserving and protecting the islands’ history, cultural treasures, and natural resources.

She added that CNMI children are lucky in that they are able to learn about the history of the turbulent war years with the most efficient teaching aides, through the thousands of authentic war remains and direct historical accounts from indigenous people who actually witnessed the battle 54 years ago.

“Unfortunately school children in America know little about the Marianas except for jungle battle fields where some of the fiercest fighting in history was waged.

“How much easier it must be for young Chamorro and Carolinian children here on the Marianas to learn about history when they actually live with history,” she said.

Capt. Jacob also urged all Americans to be vigilant about security and guard the freedom the nation enjoys today.

“Security is like oxygen, it’s like air. When oxygen is all around us, we breath it freely, we don’t even think about it. But the moment we cannot breath, air is all we think about, we want it back immediately,” said. Capt. Jacob.

“So let us pledge to be vigilant about our security today, the first American birthday and liberation day in the 21st century. Happy
Birthday America,” she added.

Yesterday’s commemoration highlighted on the theme Strength through Diversity and Unity: The Hallmark of the CNMI which Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, in his welcome address, described as “appropriate” for a multi-cultural society such as the Commonwealth.

“This is a well-chosen theme for it is the diversity of our islands and our people combined with the unity we all strive for which contribute to our tight knit and strong community values that enabled our people to be there for one another as we endured the hardships of war and the successful transitions that followed Liberation Day,” said the governor.

Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan also echoed the governor’s remarks, saying that CNMI’s population has become very diverse with people from many different countries choosing to nurture their livelihood on the islands.

“By working together, we make the commonwealth a great place to live and visit,” said the mayor.

Meanwhile, the ceremony was followed with the announcement of the float winners from the four main categories namely; government/school, business, community/village, and nonprofit organization.

Cash prizes range from $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.

The villages of San Antonio and San Vicente earned second and first place, respectively, for the best float competition under the community category.

For the business category, the Dancing Clubmates of the Pacific Islands Club and Ben-Ki Water Sports won the top two prizes.

The United Filipino Association (3rd place), the Marshallese Association (2nd place), and the Japanese Association (1st place) were also hailed winners in the competition, under the nonprofit organization category.

In the government category, Garapan Elementary School (1st place), the Carolinian Affairs (2nd place), and Dandan Elementary School (3rd place) obtained the three highest scores in the best float contest.

Parade and Floats Committee Chair David Apatang takes pride in the success of this year’s Liberation Day festivities, citing the significant amount of cooperation generated from the CNMI community plus the fine weather which drew quite a positive crowd.

“In a scale of one to ten, I would rate this a ten. I think all those organizations and associations that came out with the float did a tremendous job. And we have also been blessed with a good weather,” said Rep. Apatang. (MM)