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Veterans pay tribute to fallen comrades
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Posted on May 10 2006
Veterans of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian and their families who are on their way to Japan aboard the Pacific Princess Cruise made a brief stopover on Saipan yesterday morning to honor their fallen comrades during a wreath laying ceremony at American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor.
Arthur Marske, Harlan Roth, Robert Gloden, Max Wright, and Stephen Timko were also conferred medallions and certificates of recognition by the Governor’s Office, which was represented by acting governor Sen. Joseph Mendiola and Military Veterans Affairs Office executive director Martin Sablan.
Family members represented seven other war veterans—Don Atherton, Richard L. Conneen, Douglas Ajer, Thomas Leander, Jester B. Cecil, William Arthur Steele and Robert Henry.
The solemn ceremony moved some of the veterans and visitors, who could be seen with tears in their eyes.
The group’s visit was coordinated by Pacific Development, Inc.
The returning veterans came to Saipan onboard the Pacific Princess Cruise, which has 1,080 passengers, of which 180 are family members of veterans.
AMP Deputy Superintendent for Saipan and Guam Chuck Sayon welcomed the guests “to relive the memories, commune with comrades and find closure.”
“They will not be forgotten,” said Sayon, adding that the park is here to preserve the history, sacrifices, and stories of the 16 million servicemen and women who saw action in World War II.
Sen. Mendiola also welcomed the guests on behalf of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Tim Villagomez, who were both off island yesterday.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, USS Lassen Commanding Officer Kerry Gilpin and his crew, members of the 15th Legislature, and the Cabinet, members of Echo Company 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry, Marianas Marine Scouts, and other war veterans with their families and friends witnessed the brief ceremony.
Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion led the posting and retiring of colors. USS Lassen’s Brandon Fleck played yesterday’s taps.
The returning veterans left the island yesterday afternoon, heading to Okinawa, Japan for another memorial visit.
