Chamorro soldiers killed in Vietnam War honored in DC rites

Despite a steady rain, over 50 individuals gathered in the nation’s capital last March 24 to take part in the first commemoration ceremony honoring the 70 servicemen from the CNMI and Guam who died in the Vietnam War.

Under the direction of the National Organization of Chamorro Veterans in America or NOCVA, in coordination with the National Park Service, 15 Chamorro veterans worked together to initiate, plan, and conduct the historic event on behalf of the Chamorro people in the Marianas.

Last month’s ceremony opened with remarks from NOCVA national coordinator Celestin “Cel” Aguigui, who served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer for the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the war.

Another national coordinator, Lorenzo “Larry” Cruz, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Cruz served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years and retired as chief master sergeant.

The 70 names were recited at the event, followed by a wreath-laying led by national coordinator Frank Blas, a retired U.S. Army sergeant first class who served two tours in the war. He was wounded in action during his first tour in May 1968 and was awarded the Purple Heart, among others.

The hourlong event concluded with the final sounding of taps.

NOCVA is a newly established, Washington, D.C.-based national advocacy organization that aims to recognize and honor the service of Chamorro veterans, serve as their voice at national-level veterans’ events, and undertake initiatives to defend, protect, and promote their rights.

The group decided to have the ceremony by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall as its first initiative owing to the great distance of family and friends in the Marianas and throughout the country who cannot travel to see their loved ones’ names inscribed on the wall.

Despite its small population, the CNMI and Guam had the highest casualty rates during the Vietnam War compared to other states and territories. These fallen heroes have allowed today’s people “to enjoy the freedom of living in the greatest country in the world.”

During the Vietnam War, those who enlisted from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota were recorded with Guam as their home-state-of-record since the military recruiting station was located in Guam.

“As U.S. citizens proud of their Chamorro ancestry and heritage, Chamorro veterans have no greater honor than to ensure that the sacrifices of their Chamorro brothers will never be forgotten,” said NOCVA.

The group is working on a videotape/DVD copy of the ceremony, which can be made available to interested parties.

NOCVA acknowledged all who helped make the event possible, particularly Chamorro veterans from North Carolina and Florida, the local Washington metro-area Chamorro community under the direction of the Guam Society of America, and the National Park Service.

For more information about NOCVA and to see more photos at the event, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.nocva.com.