Former POW Callaghan to be honored on Saturday

The governor’s press secretary, Pete Callaghan, will be honored this Saturday as the CNMI joins the entire nation in celebrating National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

Military and Veterans Affairs Office executive director Ruth Coleman said that Callaghan is the only prisoner of war on Saipan to receive state recognition. Several military and government officials will join him on Saturday, 8am, at the American Memorial Park.

Coleman said this would be the first year the American Memorial Park and the MVAO would be recognizing former prisoners of war and other military men.

She said park superintendent Chuck Sayon started the idea, which she and Sayon discussed last month. Sayon recommended holding such events to honor military men, whether in active service or retired.

Coleman said this would be a great way to recognize the veterans and the servicemen of today. Flags would be raised honoring their services at the Court of Honor, American Memorial Park, she said.

Coleman said Callaghan was a POW during the Vietnam War. He, however, does not speak of this often in public, she said.

Coleman said it’s about time MVAO and the American Memorial Park give Callaghan this long overdue recognition.

Coleman said the American Memorial Park and her office have been distributing invitations to war veterans, government officials, and some officials from the business sector.

She said she also e-mailed the commander of the Veterans of Foreign War post 34-57 to let all veterans of foreign wars attend the event.

President Bush proclaimed April 9 National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day last April 1. In his proclamation, President Bush said the entire nation should remember courageous individuals who were taken prisoner while defending the country, honoring their extraordinary sacrifices.

He also regards the POWs among the nation’s bravest heroes whose selflessness and heroism had made millions of people now live in freedom, making America “the greatest force for good on Earth” and honoring them recognizes their roles in protecting the country and the liberty of mankind.

President Bush said he calls on all people to join him to honor the great men who were prisoners of war by observing the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.