‘To die for the freedom of others is noble’

Rear Admiral William D. French, commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Marianas Region, led the Memorial Day ceremonies yesterday at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi, saying that to die for the freedom of others is a noble act.

French, whose father served in the Battle of Saipan in 1944-1945, said that veterans’ memories must be kept alive, their sacrifices honored, and their stories told.

French, along with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and some 70 U.S. veterans, joined in the traditional laying of the wreaths. Families of 17 fallen soldiers, who were the first to be buried at the new cemetery, also offered prayers and fresh flowers during the hourlong ceremony.

Fitial said that holding the ceremony at the Veteran’s Cemetery is fitting, considering the sacred nature of the Marpi site, where World War II battles took place.

“This is an historic area. Within close proximity of this site, you can find Banzai Cliff, the Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff, where many lives were lost and where terrible tragedies took place nearly 65 years ago,” he said.

The last two soldiers buried at the cemetery were U.S. Navy seaman Coy Lee Coleman on March 21 and Dolores P. Curley on April 4.

French emphasized the importance of instilling and deepening the Memorial Day tradition for future generations of Americans.

“We must forward the reverence we feel today through the other days of the year,” he told some 300 people in attendance that included top government officials, veterans and their families, and the families of the fallen soldiers and guests.

French said the sacrifices of American soldiers allow everyone else to continue to enjoy the liberties and freedoms granted in the U.S. Constitution, which must be taught to others.

“We must help future generations understand that the act of committing yourself to your country and being willing to fight—and die—for the freedom of others is among the most noble endeavors,” French said.

He suggested volunteering as a way of helping veterans who are still alive, assisting a family that is grieving the loss of a service member, or visiting those injured in order to help them rebuild their lives.

He also encouraged everyone to find ways to ensure that the legacy of these heroes would endure “in what has become a sound-bite culture.”

He said these dedicated men and women are worth more than a 20-second sound-bite.

“In the Pacific theater, and especially here on Saipan, we are fortunate to live in a place where appreciation for military heritage and respect for our veterans is deeply ingrained throughout the community,” said French.

He also advised not to forget to thank not only the fallen heroes but also those who are currently serving around the globe.

French said every family on Saipan has been affected by war in one way or another, whether losing a loved one in battle or knowing someone who has taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

“It is for them too that Memorial Day exists. It is a day of celebration to remember those who died serving our nation and a day of celebration to remember them and the freedoms they died to win, defend and preserve,” French said.

He praised the CNMI’s sons and daughter for stepping forward when the need for courage and selflessness were necessary throughout many of the conflicts that the U.S. went through.

“I stand before you today awed and humbled by the unyielding display of bravery and patriotism of the people from these islands,” he said.

Retired U.S. Army Capt. John Camacho said that yesterday was a fine day to pay tribute to fallen comrades.

“We must keep working harder because there are more potential conflicts. Freedom has no price,” he added.

Another retired U.S. Army servicemember, John Davis, thanked all the people who attended the ceremony.

Retired Green Beret Frank Cepeda urged people to reflect on all the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and living veterans.