Thank you

The Guam USO wishes to extend its very deepest appreciation to Tan Holdings, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, the American Memorial Park, and the incredible people of Saipan for the tremendous welcome received at the July 8 inaugural “Tan Holdings/USO Movies In The Park” held in celebration of Saipan’s heroes who have deployed in the War On Terror and their families.

Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan and corporate affairs manager Ed Arriola contacted the United Service Organizations approximately six months ago seeking an opportunity to create a unique, fun-filled family event to host for the community of Saipan in honor of the patriotic spirit of the island’s people. Through the support of Tan Holdings, its incredible philanthropic subsidiary Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Mr. Tan, Mr. Arriola, corporate affairs assistant Rebecca Tenorio, and their team of volunteers, more than 500 citizens of Saipan enjoyed an incredible evening of free gifts, delicious food, and the awesome movie Despicable Me. It was a complete honor for USO to share in this historic event, and we deeply hope there will be many more events to come!

USO also sends out a very special thanks to the Junior ROTC Ayuyu Battalion from Kagman High School who opened the event with a beautiful presentation of the colors under the guidance of Army instructor SFC Anthony Lukeala. What a special honor to also have Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos and Mr. Jerry Tan there on the front row for the movie! USO is also very thankful to Park Ranger Nancy Kelchner and her team at the American Memorial Park for providing such a breathtaking venue for this special occasion.

As I stood atop the stands of the park at dusk and surveyed the beauty of Saipan, I held in my heart the vivid images of war housed below in the museum. As I watched the awesomely polite and grateful citizens of Saipan who poured in to ultimately fill the amphitheater, and listened to the sounds of freedom ring out with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner and the CNMI National Anthem I was overwhelmed with emotion and tears of gratitude began to run down my cheeks.

I was thankful for a generous corporation who cared enough about its community to bring such a momentous occasion together. I was humbled by family members of our fallen heroes who had honored us with their presence. I was touched by the respect and response of the people of Saipan in allowing USO to honor them. In a way like no other, Saipan brought to me an even greater and more humble gratitude for the freedom that reigned over the park that evening and that lives throughout our nation every day.

To the beautiful people of Saipan—thank you for welcoming USO in such a memorable way. We hope to return many times. Un dangkulo na si yu’os ma’åse para todu. Put respetu,
[B] Leigh Leilani Graham[/B] [I]Director, Guam USO[/I] [I] To view photos of the Tan Holdings/USO Saipan Movies In The Park event, please visit Guam USO on Facebook. If your company would like to support future Tan Holdings/USO Movies In The Park for Saipan, Rota and/or Tinian, please contact Igraham@uso.org. For more information about the USO please visit www.uso.org.[/I]