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Saipan, Tinian ceremonies to mark Memorial Day
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Posted on May 19 2012
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Reporter
The CNMI will join the rest of the nation in observing Memorial Day on May 28, with separate ceremonies to be held on Saipan and Tinian that day.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos signed Thursday morning a proclamation declaring May 21 to 28 Memorial Week, to honor those who have paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom.
“Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have placed our nation’s safety
before their own for generations. From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, these brave patriots have taken on great risks to keep us safe, and they have served with honor and distinction. All Americans who have enjoyed the blessings of peace and liberty remain in their debt,” Inos said in his proclamation.
He called on the CNMI to observe Memorial Week as a time “of prayer for permanent peace and pay tribute to our fallen veterans for their unselfish, dedicated service in defending our country.”
The 2012 Memorial Day ceremonies on May 28 will be held at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi on Saipan at 9am. Gov. Benigno R. Fitial will be delivering the welcoming remarks.
Capt. John Heckman, Joint Region Marianas Regional Engineer and Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, will be the keynote speaker.
This year, Tinian will also have special Memorial Day ceremonies.
Don Farrell, CNMI historian and Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz’s point man on military affairs, said Thursday that the Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at Runway Bravo on North Field on Tinian on May 28.
It will be held in conjunction with Marine Air Group-12, the Tinian Veterans Association, Tinian JROTC, Tinian Department of Public Safety, and the public. Some 120 Marines from MAG-12 out of Japan are now on Tinian for Exercise Geiger Fury, and some 100 more will be arriving in a few days.
Farrell said a flyover of four F-18 Hornets is expected at about 11:15am on May 28.
The Tinian mayor is inviting the public to join the ceremonies.
