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Memorial Day starts with Sunday Mass
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Posted on May 28 2004
The 2004 Memorial Day celebration is all set.
This, according to the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, which confirmed through a statement that events geared to honor fallen, present, and future comrades have now been finalized.
Kicking off the celebration is a special Mass service this Sunday, May 30, 9am, at the Mount Carmel Cathedral. The service is dedicated to all active duty military members, reservists, local marine scouts, and veterans who have participated or have been deployed in the past and present to any areas of conflicts around the world. The service is also dedicated to military members who may be deployed in the future.
The statement encourages all families and the public to attend the Mass.
A ceremony will also take place on Memorial Day, May 31, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Susupe at 9am.
“We will be paying tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are no longer with us. We will remember those who served our great nation so that we may enjoy the fruits of a democratic society,” according to the statement.
Rear Admiral Arthur J. Johnson, the U.S. Pacific Command Representative for Guam, CNMI, FSM, and Palau will serve as the keynote speaker.
The ceremony also includes the laying of wreaths by acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, members of the VFW Post 3457, members of the CNMI Veterans Association, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces Association.
A 21-gun salute will also dedicated to the fallen comrades. It will be conducted by Company E, 100th Battalion, 442nd (SEP) Infantry of the U.S. Army Reserve.
JROTC battalions from Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, and Marianas High School will also be in attendance and pre-ceremonial music and the national anthems will be played by the Saipan Southern High School’s Pacific Winds Concert Band.
