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Open letter of thank you to all the veterans
On June 10, 1944, American fighter planes began bombing the islands of Saipan and Tinian continuously, night and day. The American airplanes were from the aircraft carrier part of the armada that made up Task Force 58 destined for Saipan.
Five days later, June 15, 1944, we saw battleships all along the western side of Saipan. A few minutes thereafter, hundreds of landing crafts proceeded toward the western beaches of Saipan. We were totally confused and did not know what will happen to us being caught between two fighting forces. We did not know what will happen to us once we are captured by the American forces. So we all prayed to God to help us, protect us. Our fate was in the hand of God.
I want to publicly express my profound thank you to all the military personnel involved in the battle of Saipan for your sacrifices so that we may live. To those who lost their lives so we may live, we pray and hope to bring comfort to your family for saving our lives.
On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, thank you from the bottom of our heart.
David M. Sablan Sr.
Papago, Saipan
