Volunteers needed at American Memorial Park

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) and Park Superintendent Jim Richardson are inviting all Marianas residents to join the first “Day of Service” at the American Memorial Park on Saipan this Saturday, Aug. 27, from 7am to 11am. Volunteers will meet at the amphitheater, and split into teams to work on various projects in the memorial grounds, the Visitors Center, and the wetland areas of the park.

“It has now been more than one year since Typhoon Soudelor struck Saipan. Some progress has been made toward recovery, but much work remains. American Memorial Park needs the help of our community,” Sablan said. “I call on all residents who love this park to give a few hours of their time to make it a fitting memorial once again for the thousands of U.S. servicemen and Marianas civilians who lost their lives here in World War II.”

The National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary this week, and the Aug. 27 Day of Service will both commemorate that occasion and kick off a series of service days to clean up and beautify the park in time for Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Richardson said Park staff have been working hard to clean up the park over the past year, with the assistance of staff from the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Office of the Governor. A series of projects will also soon be completed by contracted businesses.

“We are seeking help from regular people who are willing to work as directed by work leaders and who care for their park,” Richardson said. “All volunteers need to be officially signed up and youth under 18 years old must have signed approval on the official form by a parent or guardian.” 

So far, the congressional office and the Park Service have been working in cooperation with the American Red Cross – NMI Chapter, and the AmeriCorps Program of the Public School System to coordinate the Day of Service. Sablan expressed appreciation for the supportive response of these organizations.

“The members of the American Red Cross and AmeriCorps have been among the first to answer the call to serve,” Sablan said. “And we hope that more will follow. We look forward to a great turnout this Saturday, and in all the upcoming service days between now and Veterans Day.”

“The Red Cross is proud to mobilize our volunteers to help make improvements at American Memorial Park. The park honors all those who gave so much for our freedom. We owe it to them to ensure the park is always well maintained,” said John Hirsh, executive director of the American Red Cross.  

“Every day, the American Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and support to military services members and their families. Please join us as we make these important improvements to our park during this Day of Service,” Hirsh urged.

“Community volunteers will make this a true day of service that recognizes the American Memorial Park as our community park,” added AmeriCorps program coordinator Victoria Nicholas. “This is also an excellent opportunity for our high school students and clubs who are looking for community service volunteer hours to meet their graduation requirements while having a fun and productive day at the park. Let’s go Marianas—let’s get it done!”

To register online for the Day of Service on Aug. 27, visit https://americanmemorialparkdayofservice.eventbrite.com or contact the congressional office at Kilili@mail.house.gov or (670) 323-2647. Volunteers may also register in person at the American Memorial Park Visitors Center, or simply show up at the Amphitheater on Aug. 27, starting at 7am. Water, refreshments, gloves, rakes, hand tools, and other supplies will be provided.