WWII vets remembered in Tinian ceremony

A reunion of World War II veterans in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian was held yesterday on Tinian, the scene of bloody battles that not only cost countless lives but also left a deep scar in the annals of world history.

The flags seem to know the presence of a veteran who fought on Tinian as they all “salute” retired Lt. Colonel Raymond Russell Kelly as he is delivering his closing remarks at Tinian’s North Field yesterday as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. (Jayson Camacho)

Tinian mayor’s chief of staff and CNMI historian Don Farrell said that this is a time for everyone to remember what happened during the Pacific War.

“We never had this situation and ruin all of our lives. These were perfectly peaceful people here, the Okinawans, the Koreans, and the Japanese who came here before the war for business development during the Great Depression,” Farrell said.

He noted that during that particular time in history, the Northern Marianas had a thriving community before it was suddenly ruined by war.

According to Farrell, the memorial was held at North Field on Tinian because of the presence of retired Lt. Colonel Raymond Russell Kelly, who was with the 482nd Squadron, 505th Bomb Group, and 313th Bomb Wing at North Field on the island during World War II.

“They chose this building (Air Operations Building) to pick up their final orders before they flew anywhere so we chose this site rather than in front of the Japanese headquarters because this, of course, depicts the B-29 operations,” Farrell said.

Tinian Mayor Ray Dela Cruz said that many of “our parents” were born in the Northern Marianas and became Japanese nationals.

“Seventy years later, most of our parents are gone and we are here to celebrate peace from the most destructive war,” Dela Cruz said.

Commander Joint Region Marianas Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne said the remnants of the struggle are still visible today. All over the CNMI, there are still buried ordnance, historical buildings, and monuments that lie all around.

“Tinian holds an important place in our past, it also holds an important place in our present, and in our future,” Payne said.

According to Payne, when U.S. forces arrived on Tinian 70 years ago, Americans were already on the ground on Saipan and Guam and they were already preparing for what would be the end of World War II.

Kelly received a standing ovation from representatives of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps., U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, government officials, agencies, organizations, and community members during his closing remarks.

Kelly said that it was an honor to be at the memorial on Tinian.

“Coming over the airplane, the crew never told anyone. When I was onboard and they found out someway, they made an announcement and they all got up and clapped for me and said ‘hello,’ ‘congratulations,’ and ‘thank you for what you did for our country,’” Kelly said.

Kelly is accompanied on his trip by his daughter, two sons, and one of his son’s wife.

Kelly did over 35 missions to Japan during the war.

Vicente Camacho, 70th Anniversary Battle for Saipan and Tinian chairman, said that they have had the events since the 50th and 60th celebrations and that the 70th might be the last one.

“However, we may perhaps think about doing a small commemoration once every five years but it might be in the planning,” Camacho said.

Camacho said that Kelly’s trip is the reason why they are holding the ceremony and four others on Saipan on Sunday, June 15.