12 WWII veterans return to Saipan

Twelve World War II veterans returned to Saipan and were honored late Friday morning in a well-attended ceremony at the American Memorial Park.

Veterans Stanton W. Grotenhuis, Anthony Defusco, George L. Davis, Patrick Connelly, Michael J. Connelly, Jeffrey R. Davis, Robert P. Gibbons, Casimir R. Kogut, James D. McDermott, Thomas W. Moore, John R. Stevens and John Wilczynski arrived on Saipan Wednesday night to a warm welcome from community members at the Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport.

AMP site manager Chuck Sayon welcomed the veterans, their families and friends as well as the local guests during Friday’s ceremony. “Sixty years ago, some of you got an all-expense paid trip, courtesy of Uncle Sam to visit these islands. Today you’ve spent your hard-earned dollars to visit us far from your homes, to relive the memories, commune with comrades and find closure,” Sayon said.

Sarah Creachbaum, superintendent for the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Guam and American Memorial Park Saipan, also provided brief remarks on behalf of the National Park Service.

“It’s a great honor to welcome our esteemed veterans back to Saipan. To you we give our thanks and our pledge to serve as the humble stewards of your stories: stories of honor, heroism, loss and liberation for the people of the United States and the world,” Creachbaum said.

Acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez also spoke, giving thanks to the returning veterans. “I salute you, returning veterans, for your contribution to the islands now known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and I thank you on behalf of Governor Benigno R. Fitial and all residents of our Commonwealth. Thank you,” said Villagomez.

Villagomez said this historic tour of returning veterans aim to remember, reflect, and commemorate the battles of World War II. “It is an appreciation of history; to remember lives lost and lives saved, to rekindle old friendships, and to contemplate how far we have come since the end of the war.”

Military Veterans Affairs Office deputy officer Ruth Coleman, together with Villagomez and MVAO executive officer Martin C. Sablan, presented the 12 visiting veterans medals and certificates of recognition for their courage and commitment to world peace.

Villagomez, together with Grotenhuis, Defusco, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela and the Marianas Marine Scouts led the wreath-laying during the event.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 officers and members participated in the event. Several business and government agency members and officers were also present. The Saipan Southern High School JROTC, Manta Ray Battalion led the posting and retiring of colors during the ceremony.

The ceremony ended with the playing of taps.