Community celebrates Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a day in which veterans are honored. Vietnam War veterans were the focus at the ceremony held at the American Memorial Park last Nov. 11. This is also a day in which children get to meet real-life heroes. (Erwin Encinares)

Veterans of all ages and backgrounds gathered with friends and families at the American Memorial Park to celebrate Veterans Day last Friday—the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. This year’s celebration focused in particular on veterans of the Vietnam War.

The event started at 11am, with the musical assistance of Saipan Pacific Winds concert band and Marianas High School Chorus, the posting of colors through Saipan Southern High School’s JROTC program, and a keynote speech by Brig. Gen. Stephen K. Curda. Others present at the ceremony were acting governor Victor Hocog and Delegate-elect Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP).

“I am deeply honored to celebrate, remember, and honor the sacrifices of all America’s veterans, past and present. The personal sacrifice for the common good, love of country, and patriotism demonstrated by our veterans in defense of freedom, time and time again solidifies our nation’s place in history as the standard bearer of liberty for the rest of the world,” Curda said.

“Ultimately, we are here to acknowledge the obligation and duty left behind by the sacrifices of so many, sacrifices made freely by so many to make the world a safe place for liberty, freedom, and democracy. This is a duty owed not only to ourselves, but also to those who died to gain our freedom, and to generations to come,” he added

Veterans Affairs director Gregorio M. Sablan Jr. extended his gratitude to the members of the public who came out to honor veterans during Saturday’s ceremony.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for taking time off to be here today with us to honor, remember, and give thanks to those who sacrificed so much. To the families who continue to endure the hardship of loved ones being away in defense of our country, our prayers of safe return are with you always,” he said.

Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan) was also excited about last Friday’s Veterans Day turnout. “It was a beautiful turnout and we were blessed with a gorgeous day. We come here and give thanks to our veterans who bravely served our country and Commonwealth; we are always honored by their presence.”

“We just need to remember all the sacrifices they have made for our freedom, something all of us would not be able to comprehend,” Propst added.

Veterans who were honored during the ceremony last Friday were Lenard Sablan, Louie Daily, Jess Muna, Dan Matanona, Mike O Kelly, James Sirok, Juan C. Reyes, Luis Camacho, Joseph D. Cruz, Juan Cuellar, Harry Deleon Guerrero, Cal Colavechio, Melton Aoheman, Edgar Tudor, Mariano Farjardo, John Davis, Mac Chargualaf, John Camacho, Herman Taitano, Albert Deleon Guerrero, Benigno O. Sablan, Juan Deleon Guerrero, and Bernard Deleon Guerrero.