‘Veterans Day is a living holiday’

Veterans Day is a celebration that should be considered a living holiday, said American Memorial Park site and park manager Chuck Sayon, who said Friday that the day makes one pause to recognize the men and women who have done great deeds for liberty and peace all around the world.

“It is very unfortunate though that today [Friday] would be more solemn and there would be more somber messages that would be delivered to us,” Sayon said in reference to the recent deaths of SSG Wilgene Tudela Lieto and SPC Derence Weilbacher Jack, who were both killed in Balad, Iraq, on Oct. 31.

Sayon was one of the speakers during Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony, during which over 200 government, business officials and community members paid their respects at the American Memorial Park Court of Honor.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta opened the ceremony by recognizing the efforts of the Military and Veterans Affairs Office in hosting the celebration that honored veterans for protecting the freedoms Americans enjoy right now.

“Today we celebrate democratic ideals…democracy is mightier than tyranny,” said Babauta.

The governor also introduced the keynote guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Tom, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army, Pacific and Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. Tom flew in from Hawaii to join the islands’ Veterans Day celebration.

He said the people of the CNMI are very lucky because they have a beautiful island community, which is why he keeps returning to the islands. “What a great day to recognize the soldiers, Marines, air force servicemen, and women,” Tom said. “To all veterans on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for the sacrifices, America will forever remember you.” Veterans were asked to stand up and be recognized during the ceremony.

Tom also recognized CNMI soldiers who are on active duty. He said these soldiers, Marines, and other servicemen would be the future leaders of the islands.

Albert Harris, a returning war veteran, was also honored and Babauta, together with Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, gave him a medallion and a certificate of recognition for his contributions to the military.

The most moving moment of the ceremony was when master of ceremony MVAO executive officer Ruth Coleman called the widows of the fallen soldiers, Melissa Jack and Tiara Lieto, to lead the laying of wreath for their husbands.

There was a long moment of silence as the event’s official orchestra, Pacific Winds Concert Band, played solemn music. Mrs. Jack held her daughter tightly as she tried to control her tears. Mrs. Lieto also stood in silence as they laid the wreath on the easel.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457, CNMI Veterans Association, U.S. Armed Forces, and the American Memorial Park also laid wreaths at the Court of Honor. A 21-gun Rifle Salute was led by the Department of Public Safety and Taps was played by PFC Carlos Packard of the 442nd Infantry U.S. Army Reserve.

Saipan Southern High School JROTC Cadets Manta Ray Battalion led the posting and retiring of colors, while Bishop Tomas A. Camacho led the invocation and benediction during the ceremony.

Deputy Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular Affairs David Cohen also delivered a speech during the event.

Veterans Day is celebrated on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year—marking Armistice Day that ended World War I in 1919.