‘Lest we forget’

Dignitaries, veterans, and service members led by two members of Saipan Southern High School’s JROTC Manta Ray Battalion join Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang in laying a wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony yesterday at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Community members gathered yesterday at the CNMI Veteran’s Cemetery in Marpi for the annual Memorial Day ceremony that honors and remembers family members, friends and the many other military service members who have sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.

Led by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, and Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, they were joined by other dignitaries, veterans, and guests in laying wreaths at the Veterans’ Cemetery, which was soon followed by many individuals visiting the graves of their loved ones and offering them flowers and mementos.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement Burmudes, who is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and was the event’s keynote speaker, highlighted what he called the three R’s: Reminder, remember, and responsibility. “Today is a Day of Remembrance. We remember those that have fallen, those that have never made it home.”

Burmudes shared that moments like these are also a reminder to reflect and remember the sacrifices of not only the fallen service members but also recognizing the sacrifices of their families. “With that in mind, as a community we must seek to live responsibly, knowing that our freedom was paid for with the blood of these brave men and women. …We have a responsibility as a living to live a life worthy of their sacrifice,” he added.

In his opening remarks, Palacios acknowledged the sacrifices of these fallen heroes. “Today, let us not just remember how they perished but remember how they lived, their dreams, their hopes. We remember them as soldiers, but more importantly, individuals who have loved laughed and lived. Their sacrifices continue to shape our Commonwealth and our country…,” he said, “As the recipients of their sacrifices, we honor them by upholding the values they defended.”

A light sprinkling of rain added to the solemnity of the ceremony, but it soon cleared up for the traditional memorial tribute and laying of the wreath. A DPS team also performed a 21-gun salute.

Distinguished guests, veterans, service members, members of Saipan Southern High School’s JROTC Manta Ray Battalion, along with CNMI Office of Veteran Affairs executive officer Frances L Sablan and Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, join Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt Gov. David M. Apatang for the laying of the wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony yesterday at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

One of those visiting a loved one’s gravesite yesterday was Jonathan Kapileo, who believes Memorial Day is important “because they gave their lives to have us be where we’re at now.” Although the Memorial Day holiday is not an everyday event, Kapileo said it is a time to remember the sacrifices of those who gave their life for the country. “I think they deserve that respect,” he added.

Ian Otobed said his nephew died in the line of duty just last year and was among those recently buried at the CNMI Veteran’s Cemetery. He said he would spend his Memorial Day with his family and friends and take time to go over some photos and videos, reflecting on the memories he has of his nephew. “It’s really important to remember all our fallen heroes. We enjoy today’s freedom because of them so it’s really important for us,” Otobed added.

During their remarks at the ceremony, Palacios and Bermudes encouraged the community to continue to remember, not only on Memorial Day, but everyday, that the freedoms everyone enjoys today was purchased through the blood of many brave souls.

“I pledge to live by the values they defended and build a Commonwealth they would be proud of. God bless you all. God bless our fallen heroes and God bless the Commonwealth and the United States of America,” said Palacios.