Okinawans makes 39th visit to memorial site

A delegation of the Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa arrived Wednesday on Saipan for their 39th annual pilgrimage tour to the CNMI.

At least 100 Okinawans young and old made it to this year’s pilgrimage–a small number compared to the hundreds in previous years.

According to Pacific Development Inc. coordinator Gordon I. Marciano, the group is getting smaller “and for most of them that were born here, those they know have passed on and it’s the same for them and they are hoping to meet with the families. For some it may be their last.”

In a ceremony Monday morning at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Tower in Marpi, the visitors offered prayers to honor those who perished during World War II and to extend some of their prayers to those who are still in the midst of fighting in other countries.

They also commemorated the friendships that they have established with Saipan students since 1968.

“The association is not only here for the pilgrimage tour but also to visit their birthplace,” Marciano said.

MRA chair Choken Ginoza said that the CNMI MRA members and the Okinawa community will continue to hold the ceremony to honor the memories of those who fought during World War II.

“The memorial service is dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the WWII and our prayers will be extended to those who are still faced with the war in their countries,” said Ginoza.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Japanese Consul General Tsutomu Higuchi, Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio, Rep. Tina Sablan, Rep. Ed Salas, Rep. Ralph Torres, Sen. Pete Reyes, House Speaker Arnold Palacios, Public Auditor Mike Sablan, Rep. Ray Palacios and other CNMI officials showed up at the site to pay their respects.

MRA representatives said that Okinawa has a proud culture that has long promoted peace in the conduct of government and in ruling the country.

They said that, for more than 600 years, they have decorated their homes with the shamisen, a traditional guitar, instead of weapons. “It is of because this harmony and rhythm from shamisen that ties the hearts to everyone as one,” the delegates said.

The MRA believes that in order to build a peaceful world, it is important for each citizen to understand each other and promote communication based on trust.