Salute to Marine Scouts

The Issue: After more than half-a-century, local Marine Scouts finally received the recognition they rightfully deserve.

Our View: The long wait is all worth it however protracted such recognition may be; justice is finally at hand.

Local Marine Scouts were young men then (after WWII) who stood faithfully alongside US Marines rounding up the enemy here in caves throughout the NMI. They were trained to fight and were called “native policemen” or “scout-guide”.

Both US Marines and local Marine Scouts were equally in harms way as they work side by side flushing snipers from caves throughout the islands. At any given time, a sniper’s bullet could end their lives or leave them permanently crippled. But they courageously went about their voluntary work for country.

Most of the locals who served as “scout-guides” have since died and never saw the day this week when their dedicated service to our country was given the recognition that it deserves. They are our pride for their role in bringing lasting peace to the Northern Marianas Community.

They were true freedom fighters for though they know that their service is far removed from the benefits regular soldiers in the US Armed Forces receive upon retirement, they generously gave it their hearts and all for the sake of ushering in the huge waves of freedom to our shores. What ultra-sense of dedication to freedom and democracy and all that our mother country stands for.

Indeed, for years we have heard their stories and how they captured snipers here and in the Northern Islands. Many have discussed their desire that their service be recognized by our mother country. And most never lived to see that day this week.

Yes, most have been called to their eternal rest but in their final resting place is the true landmark of freedom that stand with pride under the blue skies of paradise. Their bravery and volunteer services right after the war didn’t die in vain. It is a true representation of a commitment to freedom. They put their lives on the line in order that posterity enjoys the freedom that abounds today.

Their selfless contribution under the umbrella of courage and gallantry should serve as a reminder to one and all that they pioneered the way into the subsequent forging of a permanent relationship with our mother country. Yes, the price of freedom is all worth it and we thank our mother country for the recognition she has extended to our parents for their role in a war in which the indigenous people were bystanders.

“Let freedom ring from sea to shining sea”. Through your sacrifice and courage we now can rightly claim our hard-earned trophy of “Stars and Stripes Forever!” Congratulations!