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Fallen Marine remembered in memorial rites
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Posted on Apr 23 2012
By Clarissa V. David
Reporter
Reporter
Government leaders and military veterans joined family and friends of the late Marine Lance Corporal Ramon Taisakan Kaipat in honoring the fallen hero in a memorial service at the Mount Carmel Cathedral last Friday.
Members of the CNMI House of Representatives and the Senate separately presented commemorative resolutions to the family of Kaipat, 22, the latest military casualty from the CNMI after paying the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom when he died while on combat patrol in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan on April 11.
Born and raised on Saipan, Kaipat died as a result of multiple injuries from an improvised explosive device during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He belonged to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion of the 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton in California.
Kaipat “defended the freedoms that are at the very core of our nation and our identity and was a decorated and honorable young man who has not only cared deeply about our country but cared very much about improving the world around him,” stated House Commemorative Resolution 17-25, which was read by Vice Speaker Felicidad Ogumoro.
“[Kaipat’s] courage, determination and undying will to fight for the freedom of his country and its people will forever be remembered by the people of the [CNMI], most especially the people of his beloved home of Saipan,” reads the resolution.
Kaipat’s first cousin, John Rebuenog, led family members in the laying of the wreath by Kaipat’s portrait during the service and accepted both resolutions on the family’s behalf.
“My brother, we will never forget,” said Rebuenog, who works for the Ports Authority.
Friday’s service concluded with the playing of the taps by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 and the exit of colors by the Saipan Southern High School JROTC, followed by the celebration of a Mass.
