Previous Story
‘Memorial needs to be more community oriented event’
Parishioners known as Nanan Kilisyanu or Christian Mothers lead a silent prayer and candlelight vigil during the 2nd Commemoration of the Marianas Memorial Courtyard to honor the Chamorros and Carolinians who died during World War II. (Daisy Demapan)
John “Bolis” Gonzales lamented the lack of community involvement during last Friday’s 2nd Commemoration of the Marianas Memorial Courtyard at the American Memorial Park to honor the Chamorro and Carolinian victims of World War II.
Gonzales, a well-known activist for the preservation of culture who served as the master of ceremony in Friday’s event, expressed his sentiments on the significance of memorializing the indigenous victims of World war II, saying “this needs to become a community event so that we remember and honor our ancestors who died.”
Others who took part in the ceremony were officials of the Municipality of Saipan, House representatives, senators, and parishioners.
The ceremony began with L.J. Castro offering traditional cultural rites, calling on the islands’ ancestors to guide the people of the CNMI in their lives.
Frankie Eliptico, who also spoke, stated that the victims were “caught in a war not of their making, like many members of the Pacific. The memorial symbolizes the only tombstone for Chamorros and Carolinians who lost their lives during the war and whose final resting place has remained untraceable.”
Fr. Sid Ogumoro led the invocation, praying that the CNMI and the world remain advocates of peace in this life.
The memorial proceeded with a candle light vigil, silent meditation, wreath laying, the blessing of the monument, and the retiring of colors by the Saipan Southern High School JROTC.
The Marianas Memorial honors those who lost their lives as a result of American aerial bombardment on June 11, 1944, to the closure of Camp Susupe on July 4, 1946. In 2003, the American Memorial Park Visitor Center Content Review Committee compiled a list of names from the Department of War Claims, the CNMI Office of the Washington Representative, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, various federal agencies and the CNMI Historic Preservation Office. The names are engraved on 10 granite panels at the memorial in honor and remembrance of the departed.
