CNMI joins nation in honoring the fallen

Many families pay their respects to fallen loved ones during the Memorial Day event at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery yesterday morning. (JOSHUA SANTOS)

The Office of the Governor and the Office of Veterans Affairs held a CNMI Memorial Day event at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery yesterday morning. The event featured a memorial tribute, a 21-gun salute, a KC 135 flyby, a commemorative wreath laying, and many speeches from distinguished guests. Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan) was the event’s master of ceremony. Saipan Southern High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Color Guard were present to conduct the posting and retiring of colors, and the Saipan Pacific Winds Concert Band provided ceremonial music throughout the event.

In his welcoming remarks, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres thanked the families honoring loved ones for coming and extended his gratitude toward those who gave up their lives to keep the country and the CNMI safe. “The islands thank you, and we remember our heroes,” said Torres.

Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios echoed the governor and gave everybody present a reminder that remembrance goes beyond just Memorial Day. “[We] remember their sacrifices every day, every week, and every year,” said Palacios.

Joe W. McDoulett, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457, which is based on Saipan, was the event’s keynote speaker. In his speech, he acknowledged that Memorial Day is a day of mourning and remembrance, but also added that it is a day of sharing memories and experiences with others.

“The purpose of Memorial Day is to share. What we share on Memorial Day are the memories of our loved ones. The memories of the joyful times, the things that they’ve done, and the contributions they’ve made to our community. We are gathered today to share with each other,” said McDoulett.

After the event, Brad Ruszala—who is the District VI commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pacific Areas—spoke of the importance of Memorial Day. “[Memorial Day]’s an opportunity for us to give thanks to the folks who passed away and gave their lives in service to our nation. …Their service will never be forgotten,” he said.

In an interview after the event, Office of Veterans Affairs executive officer Stanley Iakopo put into perspective what Memorial Day means as a surviving veteran. “Our families here have loved ones buried in this hallowed ground, and there’s nothing that you can compare to the emotions that they go through. My heart goes out to them. [Surviving veterans] are here to honor them and thank them,” he said.

This story was updated on June 1, 2021, at 9:09am to correct the type of plane that made the flyby. It was a KC 135 and not a B-52.