Sons of US Marines reenact start of Battle of Saipan

Legacy members of the Marine division who fought against Japanese forces on Saipan on June 15, 1944 recreated the invasion that started the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Saipan Commemoration last Saturday.

To poignantly mark the historic occasion that happened 80 years ago, William Michels Jr., John Padley Jr., and David Knisley were welcomed by U.S. Marines with a wreath on Green Beach 2, Susupe at 8am to re-enact the landing.

A flyby from an F/A-18C Hornets of the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 also marked the occasion. Then, along with the local scouts, they were taken to the Veterans Memorial where the wreath was placed.

The legacy members, sons of those who fought during the Battle of Saipan, were William Michels Jr., son of U.S Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Michels, 4th Marine Division; John Padley, son of Capt. John Jack Padley, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment; and David Knisley, son of Pfc. Richard O. Knisley, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment.

Michels said, “So 80 years later, I figured this is the right time to come and honor my father and meet the people and be thankful for them. Because I think I feel a great warmth and welcoming from the people who are here and I feel so honored to be part of this historic commemoration. This is just an amazing event that I if I had known, I would have planned it for five years but I’m here now.”

Meanwhile, John Padley finds it meaningful in doing the reenactment, “that was very meaningful coming in on that boat. You know out from near the reef, coming into the beach was very moving, very thought-provoking to remember to think about what those men and my dad were thinking and experienced when they came in here 80 years ago and in right into the jaws of death,” he said.

Knisley, meanwhile, was saddened by today’s generation not remembering the Battle of Saipan and Tinian that much. “We didn’t have any kids. I will pass this experience on the best I can to my nephews. It just seems unfortunate that the much younger generation don’t have I want to say the interest. You know it’s sad because we should remember everything that happened, otherwise if we don’t remember, history can repeat itself and none of us want that,” said Knisley.

The commemoration continued at 9am at the American Memorial Park with a parade, remarks, and a wreath-laying ceremony. KKMP’s Gary Sword served as the master of ceremony.

The highlight of the program at the American Memorial Park’s ceremony started at 10am with the Department of Public Safety’s posting of colors, an invocation from Fr. Jesse Reyes, and the singing of the U.S. and CNMI national anthems by the Marianas Trench.

“Today we come together in front of this court of honor beside the Marianas memorial to once again carry out the intentions of the forefathers of our Commonwealth to never forget what happened on this island 80 years ago,” said National Parks Service superintendent Barbara Alberti on her welcoming remarks.

It was followed with special remarks from Keone Nakoa, deputy assistant secretary of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior.

Mark Hashinoto then commended distinguished speaker Don Farrell, “As I told you when my mention of this piece of history is met with a clear level of awareness. It also started a conversation about a possible similar contribution in support of the Marine Corps assault on Tinian, which began on July 24, 1944 and for this information, I’m indebted to uncle Don Farrell. Don you’ve always been so graceful with your time contributed so much to my understanding of this region’s history, you are in fact, a true national treasure,” said the retired major general and executive director of Marine Forces Pacific in his honorary address.

Farrell, a renowned author and historian, then capped the speeches when he said, “Today, we are all so very blessed to be joined by such a such an impressive crowd of military and civilian leaders to commemorate 80 years of peace in the Pacific. I only hope knowing that I can’t be here, but celebration like this, will play, take place right here, 20 years from now essentially peace of the Pacific, thank you very much.”

The keynote speaker, commanding general of the 4th Marine Division Brigadier General John Gerard, mentioned in his speech, “The memories of this day, infuse us a needed sense of purpose daily… we must honor the memories of our fallen comrades… the values and the ideals and the common values of our beloved core of Marines… and finally to the Marianas, listening and observing what we do here today, be afraid what you hear and see today demonstrates the power of hope, friendship, and shared resolve the freedom, loving peoples of the world love peace, but not peace at any price. Justice and righteousness we hold more precious even in peace, we’re prepared and committed to fight and die to preserve our way of life. Reinvite real sincerity, all the nations of the world to join us in this noble test.”

“That is really why I am very thankful for the partnership that we have with the people of the CNMI for all that we are able to accomplish here, as we recognize the sacrifices from the Battle of Saipan and Tinian. You can look forward to a future that is bright and secure, because we are shared partners on what we are doing and then we are joined by our very strong allies in Japan. There is no greater ally for the United States at this time and this region and that foundation,” said Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander of the newly established Joint Task Force-Micronesia at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam

Japan’s Saipan Consul, Ryoji Takagaki, offered condolences for the lives lost during the war and his belief that Japan and the United States must unite to preserve peace amidst ongoing conflicts around the world.

“It is a reminder of our alliance and the relationship between Japan and the United States. Even now, the war in Ukraine it’s ongoing and peace of has been threatened, but Japan and the United States are working together to support Ukraine.”

The program also saw the awarding of medals to the three legacy members.

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios also honored the bravery of their fathers as well as their fellow servicemembers who took part in the Battle of Saipan eight decades ago.

“This battle was not just a military engagement, it was also a testament to our collective resilience, courage, unwavering pursuit of freedom and peace. The sacrifices made on these islands were immense,” he said.

Following the wreath presentation at the AMP Court of Honor, a huge 30 feet x 50 feet CNMI flag was unfurled and carried to the monument.

Saipan Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho in his closing remarks encouraged military leaders to recruit more young adults.

“I also would like to ask all military leaders every branch in the military to join me in a shared effort to recruit our young adults, including the 750 students that just graduated two weeks ago and the previous years. These young men and woman represent the future of our nation and it’s our collective responsibility to provide them the opportunity for growth and service. Let us work together toward inspiring them to consider a career in the military where they can contribute to the legacy, the bravery, and the sacrifice demonstrated by those who came before them.”

The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Saipan Commemoration was the beginning of the celebration that will end on Tinian on July 24, according to Tinian Mayor Edwin K. Aldan.