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Borja wants North Field declared nat’l treasure
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Posted on Jun 19 2004
NORTH FIELD, Tinian—Tinian Mayor Francisco Borja wants this site declared a national treasure owing to its great significance, being the place used to launch the nuclear offensive that was seen to end World War II.
In his remarks during Wednesday’s 60th anniversary of the liberation of Tinian, Borja said it was “unfortunate that many Americans do not truly understand the global significance of the heroic acts our veterans performed 60 years ago.”
It is ironic in fact, he said, that many Americans “do not even know where Tinian is located or that the island even exists.”
“And at times, we even feel as if the U.S government has forgotten about this airfield and the extraordinary role it played during the war.”
He then said, “I believe that this airfield should be protected and officially recognized as a national treasure for all Americans to enjoy.”
The mayor said he hopes that the U.S. government would restore the airfield “to properly memorialize each and every veteran that served during World War II.”
During the Wednesday ceremony, the mayor’s office unveiled the two bomb pits that were used to launch the historic flights that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August 1945.
The mayor’s office, in coordination with the Historic Preservation Office, also unveiled a Peace Monument, USS Indianapolis Monument, and Enola Gay Crew Monument.
The ceremony was attended by top CNMI officials headed by Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Senate President Joaquin Adriano, and House Speaker Benigno Fitial, as well as U.S. military and federal officials, including U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Arthur Johnson and Department of the Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs David Cohen.
In his remarks, Borja told the veterans, “You will be forever remembered by the people of Tinian and will always have a special place in our island’s history. You have served your country proud and the people of Tinian salute you.”
The visiting veterans were led by Enola Gay pilot Paul Tibbets, navigator Theodore Van Kirk, and weaponeer Morris Jeppson.
