Visitors Center won’t make it to WWII event
Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente disclosed Tuesday that, although the Visitors Center would not be fully operational this year, it would be open to the public for the 60th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian ceremonies.
Benavente said preparations for the upcoming celebration of the World War II ceremonies are now in high gear, with last minute arrangements being done to ensure the success of the weeklong commemoration.
“Too bad we cannot open the Visitors Center this year but we will open it for people to see the exhibit and what it would be look like when it is done,” said the acting governor.
He added that the government’s beautification program is ongoing. He urged businesses and residents to join the government in its efforts to beautify the islands not only this period but through the years.
“We are so excited, only two more weeks and we would be having these ceremonies and other events for the World War II veterans. We are thankful to all the help we are receiving and for all the people helping us,” he added.
The first cruise ship arriving on Saipan with over 200 veterans and family members would be on June 5. Other military tours would be coming in as the schedule of events approaches.
The Memorial Park Visitors Center began construction work last year in hopes that it would be open in time for the celebration. The Center would provide an area for reflection on the historic events of World War II and how it affected the lives of people today.
The Center also hopes to make visitors aware of other World War II sites and natural history sites in the Marianas and to serve as a living memorial to the past and present cultures of Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands by providing a venue or a variety of community and cultural events, meetings and activities. It is also aimed at promoting stewardship of the park’s mangrove wetland and other threatened and endangered habitats in the Northern Mariana Islands and around the world.
