Honoring our nation’s heroes

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), and Saipan Mayor David Apatang join members of the Manta Ray Battalion from Saipan Southern High School in laying a commemorative wreath during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor in Garapan last Friday. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

As has become a national tradition observed throughout the United States, the CNMI’s top officials, veterans, their families, and other members of the public gathered together at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor last Friday on the 11th month, 11th day, and 11th hour to mark Veterans Day.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang were among the distinguished guests, veterans, and their families who were present at the event and participated in the traditional laying of a wreath at the Circle of Honor.

During their opening and welcoming remarks, CNMI Office of Veteran’s Affairs executive officer Marie Salas-Igitol as well as Torres, thanked and appreciated all service members, veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service.

The theme of this year’s commemoration was ‘All Who Served in Times of War- In Times of Peace.’

Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, who was the ceremony’s keynote speaker this year, expressed appreciation for the service of every veteran and serviceman, and also shared briefly the history of Veterans Day.

Showing just how many veterans and families were in attendance, the tent was nearly empty when they participated in the laying of a wreath at the Circle. Following the laying of the wreath, the Department of Public Safety performed a 21-gun salute.

Among the veterans present at the event was retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gregorio M. Sablan Jr. “I served in a combat zone so I’ve seen a lot of the scars of battle and loss of life, so [Veterans Day] is a way of remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and be thankful for those who have not only served, but also those who have passed, so we can enjoy what we do every day.”

Retired U.S Army Sgt. Ivan Igitol also shared that, as a veteran, he has a greater understanding and respect for Veterans Day “This is something that is close to us because we have fallen soldiers that we leave behind, but are never forgotten. It’s pretty hard.”

Sablan noted that at many times a “thank you” goes a long way “So when you see a veteran, it is always good to approach a veteran and just thank them for their service, because that ‘thank you’ goes a long way and means a lot. Especially for the sacrifices and the hard work that we put ourselves through to defend this great nation and for people to enjoy being free every day. So when they say freedom is free…it is not free, it’s at a cost, it’s at a high price, and a lot of sacrifices as well.”

The Veteran’s Day ceremony was preceded by the flyover of B-1 Airforce Lancer (bomber) at 12pm.

A team from the Manta Ray Battalion from Saipan Southern High School assisted with the presentation and retiring of colors and in the laying of the wreaths.