Community enjoys longest LibDay Parade

The roaring sounds of motorcycles ridden by the Matua Riders caught the attention of the crowd that lined up along Beach Road, signaling the start of the 71st CNMI Liberation Day Parade—the biggest party and community event in the Commonwealth.

The Matua Riders came out in full force on their Harley Davidson motorcycles while some chose to join on their big bikes or ATVs in yesterday’s parade, which could be the longest in the history of the annual event.

Except for two incidents where two CNMI JROTC members fainted, the parade went on smoothly. The Japanese Society of Saipan again carried the banner asking the community for any information about missing sisters Natsuki and Chinatsu Yamada.

CNMI Liberation Day parade and float subcommittee chair Joe Palacios said they finally heaved a sigh of relief as it didn’t rain. There was a weather disturbance south of the CNMI, in Guam, that could have brought rain.

“One thing that we are thankful for is it is really a nice day. There was no rain just cloudy, which is a beautiful weather for the parade,” said Palacios.

“We thank the whole community, from those who were involved and helped in the planning to those who came out to cheer everyone and celebrate with us. This could have been the longest since there are more participants this year,” added Palacios.

Midway through the parade, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause after a B-52 Stratofortress bomber made a flyby. The United States Army Band also marched in the parade, while war veterans were on board two military trucks. Visiting delegates from Korea and Japan also joined in the festivities.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang thanked Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar for making the flyby happen. “People enjoyed today’s festivities especially the flyby. We thank Admiral Bolivar for making that possible. Thank you too to the Army band for coming out.”

“Our friends from Korea and Japan came all the way out here to participate in the parade. I personally wanted to thank all participants, the businesses, individuals, and the families that supported us in this event.”

Apatang added that this is also the first time in the parade that a lot of government departments and agencies participated. “Thank you too to Gov. [Ralph DLG] Torres and Lt. Gov. [Victor B.] Hocog for supporting us and making sure the departments and other agencies come out.”

Torres said the parade showed how diverse the community in the CNMI is now. “We appreciate the diversity that we have in our islands. Celebrating July 4 gives us the freedom to enjoy such diversity.”

“This parade would be the longest and probably one of the most beautiful weather that we had in a long time. It was cloudy and not that hot, importantly no rain. I’m glad everyone came out to watch and enjoy the festivities.”

CNMI Liberation Day Queen Christine Roque, Royal Princess Coryn A. Achas, and First Princess Cornessa M. Dela Cruz said yesterday’s event is the community’s way of giving thanks to the people who fought to enjoy the freedom that we enjoy today.

“It is our way of honoring the history of our islands. People get to celebrate freely and the way they want to thanks to those who fought to give us the freedom that we enjoy today,” said Roque, who joined the Royal Court in stopping for a while at the 13 Fishermen Monument to lay flowers.

“To me this is the day when Camp Susupe was opened for the people to live freely,” said Acahas.

“This is the time where we come all together to celebrate,” added Dela Cruz.

Liberation Day executive committee chair Chris Leon Guerrero, Liberation Day non-profit group president Louis Rogers, Japan Consul Toshio Matsumura and his wife Kiyoko, Philippine honorary consul to the CNMI Eli Arago, Korean Association president Hong Kyun Kim, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chair Antonio Tudela, vice chair Alice Igitol, and Sec. Lareina Camacho were some of the VIPs who joined the parade.

Rain cancelled last night’s fireworks and it will be held on Saturday, the closing of the carnival.

Organizers said the list of winners of the float competition was not available as of press time.