May 15 is proclaimed US Armed Forces Day

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios are joined by other guests for a commemorative photo at the Office of the Governor conference room after signing the proclamation that declares May 15 as CNMI Armed Forces Day. (Office of the Governor)

This Saturday, May 15, the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, in partnership with the 302nd Quarter Master Detachment 1, is inviting the public to the Garapan Fishing Base for a static display of military vehicles from 9am to 12pm.

This event is being held in recognition of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces and in celebration of National Military Appreciation Month. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios have proclaimed May 15 as CNMI Armed Forces Day, in recognition of the sons and daughters of the Marianas and all the men and women across the nation’s Armed Forces.

The U.S. Army Recruitment Center will also be participating in the Garapan Fishing Base event, as well as the Marianas High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps to showcase its core abilities through drill demonstrations.

On Tinian, the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs and Tinian Mayor’s Office, in partnership with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 and Marines Corps Tinian Detachments, will have a roadside waving along Broadway on May 12, at 4pm; Movie Night on May 14, at 7pm at the Amphitheater; Hero Fun Day on May 15, at 7am at Taga Beach; and a Memorial Day ceremony on May 31, at 10am at Kastiyu Field.

In the proclamation, which Torres and Palacios signed last Tuesday, they said: “For generations, the sons and daughters of the Marianas, arm in arm with the men and women across our nation, have boldly answered the call to serve with great pride and distinction in our nation’s armed forces. These soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, national guardsmen, and coast guardsmen have endured many sacrifices to defend the freedoms that make our islands and nation what it is today.”

Torres and Palacios also acknowledged the families, spouses, children, and parents behind the brave service members “who too have had their share of sacrifices—from long deployments to relocation, adjusting to new neighborhoods and schools, having to make new friends and sometimes putting their careers on hold.”

“…We [often] take for granted the security of our borders and the freedom that we enjoy in our lives. Today’s proclamation event is very personal to me. Our military is not only in the front line of our security but they also were in the front line during our recovery efforts for [Typhoon] Soudelor and [Super Typhoon] Yutu and with this pandemic,” said Torres. “We could never be thankful enough for our men and women for their sacrifices they make to keep our nation and our home safe and for their assistance in times of our needs. It is with much gratitude that we take time to honor all of them and with my continuing commitment to furthering our partnership with the Department of Defense.”

Palacios recalled the military’s support during the recovery efforts after Yutu. “It was during that period where we all witnessed the enormous forces of our service members, with Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield leading humanitarian military operations on the ground. Thank you for all the support extended to our government and to our people and for keeping our borders and nation secure,” he said.

Witnessing the proclamation signing were House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Rep. Joseph Flores, Sgt. Saili Tigilau, and reservists from the 302nd Quarter Master Detachment 1, Army Special Force Master Sgt. Gabriel Strand, Staff Sgt. Michael Ryan of the U.S. Army Recruitment Center, Women’s Affairs Office, Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, Criminal Justice Planning Agency, special assistant Glenna Sakisat Palacios and the staff of the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs.

Ryan expressed appreciation for being invited to this year’s proclamation signing and for the community’s support.  “Thank you for inviting me to witness today’s proclamation. I also would like to thank you all and the CNMI community for the strong support you extend to the U.S. Army and in our recruitment efforts to continue increasing enlistment of CNMI residents into the Armed Forces,” he said.

“We look forward to engaging with our community members in Saturday’s static display event,” said Tigilau. (PR)