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CNMI welcomes Veteran’s Affairs chief
Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie made a short visit to the CNMI yesterday, during which he met with CNMI leaders, visited veterans’ facilities on Saipan, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the American Memorial Park.
Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-Saipan), Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, and Superintendent of NMI and Guam National Parks Barbara Alberti were among those at the wreath-laying ceremony.
Wilkie said this was his second trip to the islands.
In his remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony, where he paid his respect to those who fought in the Battle of Saipan and in World War II, Wilkie honored the sacrifices of not just the American troops, sailors, Marines, and airmen but also the “tens of thousands of ordinary people who were in the battlefield.”
He pointed out that that the loss of lives in battle usually equals two lives lost: the life in battle and the life that would have been a pastor, mother, father, grandfather, doctor, lawyer, or school teacher. “…We often don’t think about the cost of war beyond battle,” he added.
Wilkie’s father served in the 82nd Airborne Division and idolized Gen. Matthew Ridgeway, who led the victories in North Africa and Sicily. Ridgeway also planned the assault on Adolf Hitler’s fortress in Germany.
“For veterans, no matter what conflicts they serve in, no matter how they serve, it is our duty to pray for their sake,” Wilkie said.
He thanked CNMI leaders and its people for their courtesy of his visit and the National Park Services for keeping a great place to honor those who fought for the liberty of the CNMI.
He declined to speak to the media.
