Council eyes blessing rites for WWII dead

Members of the community and the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council are planning a blessing ceremony at Garapan’s Marianas Memorial for the many lives lost during World War II.

According to council chair Ramon B. Camacho, the ceremony would honor the losses suffered by the civilian population during the war, from the beginning of the American aerial bombardment of Saipan in June 1944, to the closing of Camp Susupe in July 1946.

The organizing committee will met yesterday at the council chamber to coordinate the event.

The event’s time is planned for 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Oct. 30 at the American Memorial Park Marianas Memorial Courtyard.

In talks for the event are a candlelight meditation and remembrance, laying of wreaths, and blessing of the memorial.

The Saipan Southern High School manta Ray Band will perform the U.S. and CNMI anthems, and a JROTC color guard will handle the raising of colors, according to a draft of the program.