Veterans say thanks to Best Sunshine for picnic

The first-ever picnic hosted by Best Sunshine International, Ltd. for veterans at the Minachom Atdao pavilion brought generations together through fun, food, and fellowship.

There have been picnics in the past but the Nov. 11 BSI-led event was the largest—if may also possibly be the first time in about five years—that the veteran community was celebrated with the overflowing support of families, who spent Veterans Day honoring more than 500 past and present veterans.

This was a gathering that allowed families to express appreciation to those who saw action and “gave up their freedom so we could have ours.”

According to Rita Chong, BSI’s corporate social responsibility director, “it was an opportunity for our community to meet and talk to our veterans and to let them know we are always there standing next to them, and for the younger generation to truly understand what these veterans went through and experienced while serving to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

The Veterans Day picnic was a plan that BSI’s CSR team put together to continually show support and express appreciation.

For the veterans themselves, it was a way to reconnect and reminisce about experiences that only they could understand. And the Veterans Day picnic hosted by Best Sunshine renewed that bond and camaraderie and promoted awareness among the younger generation of the important roles these men and women have played.

“I truly loved the picnic. You just don’t understand how much we appreciate it all, not just the food and entertainment but spending time with everyone,” said one Saipan-based veteran.

Another veteran added, “I really look forward to these functions. You don’t get to see everyone too often.”

Chong agrees. “It was an opportunity for our families to meet and talk with veterans face to face.”

Although the number of attendees changes from year to year as some veterans are no longer with us or can’t attend due to health conditions, the Nov. 11 picnic has revived the dwindling tradition.

“This is just a different day for us. Thank you, Best Sunshine, for [reviving] this tradition. It is always enjoyable to get together with folks who have some common bond,” added a veteran.

The over 500 veterans and families were also met by lawyer Viola Alepuyo, who was formally introduced to the community as the new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

Alepuyo is the first woman to serve the high-profile position with a rank that is equivalent to a three-star general. (Best Sunshine)