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French to speak at Memorial Day rites
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Posted on May 12 2009
Rear Adm. William D. French, commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Marianas, will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 Memorial Day celebration on May 25 at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi.
French is the U.S. Defense Representative for Guam, CNMI, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
He will be accompanied by his wife Monika.
CNMI Military/Veterans Affairs executive officer Ruth Coleman released yesterday the tentative program for this year’s observance of the annual event.
“This is the day we remember our fallen soldiers and our loved ones who are buried at the cemetery,” Coleman said.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial will sign the proclamation Tuesday next week, designating May 19-25 as Memorial Week.
The Pacific Winds Concert Band will lead the pre-ceremonial music, the National and CNMI anthems, taps, and the post-ceremonial music.
Saipan Southern High School’s JROTC Manta Ray Battalion Color Guard will lead the raising of the U.S. and CNMI flags.
Fr. Joseph E. Billiotti, Vicar General of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, will lead the invocation, followed by welcoming remarks from the governor.
After a short message, Rear Admiral French, along with Fitial and the military service and veterans, will lay wreaths.
The memorial tribute will be led by first lady Josie Fitial and Monika French.
Members of Company E, 100tth Battalion, 442nd Infantry, U.S. Army Reserve will follow with a 21 rifle salute.
The program is paid for by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457.
