Villagomez, Leidig pay tribute in Memorial Day rites

Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez and Naval Forces Marianas commander Rear Admiral Charles J. Leidig Jr. led yesterday the laying of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial Park in honor of “those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and in the defense of the nation.”

Villagomez noted that, for the people of the CNMI, this is the first Memorial Day since the Commonwealth suffered major losses in Iraq.

Leidig particularly honored U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Wilgene Tudela Lieto, Army Cpl. Derence Weilbacher Jack, and U.S. Army Yihjyh “Eddie” Chen, who lost their lives while on duty in Iraq.

“Today, on Memorial Day 2006, we remember the men and women of 1944, and those who came before them in World War I and the American Civil War—and those who came after them in conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq,” Villagomez said.

“We commemorate the fallen American soldiers throughout the conflicts and throughout the generations, and we pay tribute to their heroic sacrifice today on Memorial Day and every year on this day,” Villagomez added.

The acting governor narrated how the U.S. Navy secured Saipan and the eventual surrender of Japan after the Tinian-based B-29 bombers ended the most destructive war in human history.

Leidig said Lieto and Jack lost their lives in bomb attacks on Oct. 31, 2005, while on patrol in Iraq.

“They were both husbands, fathers, and our ‘brothers in arms,’” he said.

Leidig said Chen moved with his family from Taiwan to Saipan as a teenager.

Chen graduated from high school on Saipan and worked as a police officer on the island for more than five years before joining the Army in January 2000.

On April 4, 2004, Chen’s life was tragically cut short in Iraq when his unit was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, Leidig said.

“We honor him and thank him and his family for his proud service and sacrifice,” Leidig said.

The Naval commander also paid tribute to all service members who had died for their courage, patriotism, and valor.

“Their devotion to the service of our country must never be forgotten and we will be forever grateful,” said Leidig who was the keynote speaker during the Memorial Day ceremony.

He said it is important to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform of the United States, “the cloth of our nation.”

Quoting President Bush, Leidig said, “In the military tradition, no one is left behind on the field of battle. And our nation is determined to account for all of the missing. The same spirit can be seen in the respect we show to each life laid down for this nation. We receive them in sorrow, and we take them to an honored place to rest.”

After Villagomez and Leidig laid the executive’s wreath at the Veterans Memorial monument, Clare Sablan, Tiara Lieto and Melisa Jack followed the wreath-laying for the U.S. Resident Representative.

Also laying wreaths were members of the VFW Post 3457, CNMI Veterans Association, U.S. Army Reserve Echo Company 100 Battalion 442nd Infantry Brigade, and staff from the American Memorial Park.

The U.S. Echo Company then rendered a 21-gun salute followed by playing of Taps to conclude the ceremony.

The Pacific Winds Concert Band played the pre-ceremonial music and the national/CNMI anthems.

Members of the Saipan Southern High School JROTC Manta Ray Batallion conducted the posting of the service flags and raising of the U.S. and CNMI flags.