Families of the fallen also honored

As the CNMI paid tribute to its war veterans, fallen, and active men and women in uniform, the island community was also one in acknowledging the sacrifices that the heroes’ families and loved ones made during Memorial Day ceremonies held Monday at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi.

Hundreds of family members joined Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Eloy S. Inos, other local officials, active military personnel, veterans, and community members for the solemn ceremony, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Capt. John Heckmann of the Joint Region Marianas, who served as keynote speaker, described military families as the “most honored guests” in yesterday’s event, which had the theme “In Honor of Our Fallen Heroes, Recognizing Families.”

“I want to take a moment and say thank you to the loved ones of our fallen servicemen and women,” Heckmann told the crowd. “You, more than anyone, know the meaning of ‘ultimate sacrifice.’ Their sacrifice is also your sacrifice. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Heckmann, regional engineer and commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, briefly recounted the origins of Memorial Day, which was initially a day of remembrance for those who fought during the American Civil War.

“After every great loss, there needs to be a time to remember, a time to heal, and a time to honor those who have lost,” said Heckmann, adding that Memorial Day has since become a tradition to remember all who fought and died in service.

The Commonwealth, Heckmann said, has had its share of sons and daughters in the battlefield since the 1940s to ensure the freedom that the entire nation enjoys to this day. He noted the recent demise of Marine Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat, who is among the 16 sons and daughters of the Northern Marianas who died serving the nation with courage and sense of honor.

“Their sacrifice is a reminder that our freedom is won at great cost,” he said. “All of us who grew up in the peace that followed war have benefited from their sacrifices, loyalty, and acts of heroism. We must never forget what they have done for us and for our children. Today is their day, set aside to recall the path of freedom they helped pave.”

For his part, Fitial urged the community to remember the fallen heroes’ faithful service and sacrifices as they have “unselfishly risked their lives so that you and I can continue to live in freedom.”

“We cannot hope to find full measure to repay them and their loved ones. But the very least we can do is honor their memory and treasure the liberty they bought for us with their lives,” said the governor.

Lt. Gov. Inos, Heckmann, and CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan led active servicemen in laying a wreath for all fallen soldiers. The U.S. Army Reserve Center provided the 21-gun salute while Dr. Ed Tudor played Taps.

Single-stemmed flowers were given to family members who placed them by their respective fallen soldiers’ graves at the cemetery.

Press secretary Angel Demapan served as emcee for yesterday’s event, which also featured two F-18 flybys from the Marine Aircraft Group 12 out of Iwakuni Japan and the 36th Wing Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after the ceremony.

The Saipan Southern High School JROTC Manta Ray Battalion posted the flags as the Marianas High School choirs sang the national anthems. Pacific Winds Concert Band provided pre- and post-ceremonial music.