War photos

A World War II veteran has donated to the CNMI Museum of History and Culture some150 photographs containing vintage images of the war stricken islands of Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

War veteran Donald Lyon presented some of the photos during a ceremony Tuesday evening held at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center auditorium. Lyon first set foot on the island of Saipan in 1945 as a dental corpsman, along with two navy dentists and two other corpsmen.

Some photos showed local and Japanese children being taught how to brush their teeth; other photos showed some of the American nurses and dentists who were stationed in the CNMI 60 years ago.

He said his moments on the island are unforgettable and would remain a part of his life as long as he lives.

The presentation was hosted by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the American Memorial Park. DCCA Secretary Juan L. Babauta led the ceremony, with Historic Preservation Office historian Genevieve Cabrera as the emcee.

Marilyn Swift and Randy Harper were instrumental in the donation of the photos. Swift said she and Harper began coordinating with Lyon the possible donation of the photos five years ago. “By giving the pictures to the museum, they would be given proper care and attention.”

Museum director Maggie Sablan said she was awed by Lyon’s generosity. She also thanked the tandem of Swift and Harper for this remarkable deed. The museum’s board of directors presented a plaque of appreciation and souvenirs to Lyon. Military and Veterans Affairs officers Jeff Facey also presented a World War II certificate, a coin and a medallion to the veteran.

Babauta also expressed his appreciation to the visiting veteran for his contribution in preserving the rich history of the islands and said he would be glad to add the memorabilia to the museum’s collections.

Babauta also appealed for the realization of the CNMI Cultural Center that is still in the planning stages. He said the center is in tremendous need of a permanent home for all the historic collections now in the museum.

Present during yesterday’s event were Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Vicky Benavente, MVAO executive officer Ruth Coleman, AMP park manager Chuck Sayon, DPH’s Lynn Tenorio, American Red Cross NMI Chapter director John Hirsh, HPO officers and staff, other government officers, and community members.