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Commendable patriotism
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Posted on Apr 11 2006
During January and February of this year, my wife and I spent several enjoyable weeks on Saipan. We have previously lived on Saipan, and have two daughters who are Micronesian, lease property on island, and am licensed to practice law on island. Both of us consider Saipan as our second home.
When we arrived on Saipan in January, we were both immediately impressed and proud to see the high degree of patriotism that was evident throughout the entire island for the soldiers in the Northern Marianas who had served the United States so well in Iraq. This patriotism and support was evident even before we arrived on Saipan. In fact, when we flew over from Guam, we were accompanied on our flight by several excited soldiers returning from Iraq. Arriving at the Saipan terminal, it became very quickly evident that the cheering crowd that was gathered were not there for my arrival, but for the soldiers. (Then again, who ever cheers for a lawyer when one arrives on island?)
For the next several weeks, when we were on island, we saw continued signs of patriotism and support for the troops, including yellow ribbons, banners and posters throughout the island.
We list as our primary home Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks has two large military bases, one Air Force and one Army, in its community. Although we do believe that patriotism in Fairbanks also is quite high, there is no question but that the patriotism that was shown on Saipan, in all fairness to our Alaskan community, exceeds that which is evident on a day-to-day basis in Fairbanks.
In closing, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has just reason to be proud of its soldiers, who have served their country so well. We commend you!
Bill and Brenda Satterberg
Faribanks, Alaska
