Fitial declares Memorial Week

In the presence of several veterans, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial declared yesterday the week of May 23-29 as Memorial Week, setting the stage for Monday’s observance of Memorial Day.

Before signing the proclamation document, Fitial commended the Military and Veterans Affairs Office and its officials, director Martin C. Sablan and deputy executive officer Ruth Coleman, for the good work that they have been doing to help veterans and visiting military personnel.

He also highlighted the heroism of the nation’s soldiers who have lost their lives in defense of the nation and its ideals, saying that Memorial Week is intended “not to glorify war but to revere life.”

He urged the CNMI community to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities in support and honor of the nation’s veterans and troops around the world.

Fitial signed the proclamation at the conference room of the Office of the Governor on Capitol Hill yesterday morning.

This year’s Memorial Day ceremonies will be held Monday at the Susupe Veterans Memorial beginning at 9am.

The keynote speaker in Monday’s affair is Rear Adm. Charles J. Leidig Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Marianas. Fitial will be represented at the ceremony by Lt. Gov. Tim Villagomez, who was also present in yesterday’s proclamation signing.

The occasion coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Saipan.

‘REMEMBER’

On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the security of the nation.

“By honoring these proud Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout our country’s history, we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve,” reads part of the proclamation.

“On this day, America honors her own, but we also recognize the shared victories and hardships of our allied forces that have served and fallen alongside our troops. The noble sacrifices of our service men and women will not be forgotten. Every name, every life is a loss to our military, to our nation, and to their loved ones. We stand with the families who grieve, and share in their great sorrow and great pride. As we honor those who have served and have been lost, we better understand the meaning of patriotism and citizenship, and we pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” it adds.

In observance of Memorial Week, the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pay tribute to fallen veterans for their dedicated service in defending the country.