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Flags ordered at half-staff
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Posted on Jan 04 2005
All U.S., CNMI, and foreign flags in the Commonwealth were ordered to be flown at half-staff this week in remembrance of the hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims in Asia.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta, in a Jan. 3, 2005 memorandum, directed that all flags in the Commonwealth be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset from Jan. 2 to Jan. 8 following the issuance of a similar order by President Bush.
“[This is] in remembrance of the countless victims of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that has claimed lives in over 12 countries,” he said.
Babauta ordered the Department of Public Safety to be alert on the proper flying of flags, including those of businesses.
The Governor’s Office joined the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Monday in launching a fundraising campaign for the victims.
Babauta, together with ARC executive director John Hirsh, called on all residents in the CNMI to donate at least $1 and raise some $70,000 to help the tsunami victims.
Individuals can make the donations at the ARC-NMI office along Airport Road, the Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill, the Marianas Visitors Authority office in San Jose, and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce in Garapan. All checks should be made payable to American Red Cross. All funds collected in the CNMI will be remitted to the ARC-International Response Fund.
The relief drive would last for three weeks or until the end of this month.
Babauta, in his remarks, said that the CNMI, which was hit by major typhoons last year, has “a special feeling of empathy for the victims.”
He said that the administration chose ARC over other relief organizations because it has supported the local community with millions of dollars in assistance in the past 40 years.
“While many in our community want to make in-kind contributions, what we need at this time is cash. Monetary contributions can be easily and quickly used to provide the relief that is most needed,” Babauta said.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who initiated the discussion on the fundraising program with ARC-NMI, expressed confidence in the local community’s readiness to extend assistance to others.
“Together we can make a huge difference in this time of great need,” he said.
