Liberation Fest kicks off with a blast
The 2004 Liberation Festival kicked off with a blast last Friday night at the grounds of the Garapan Fishing Base, opening a month-long celebration that commemorates an event that took place 60 years ago: the day the United States opened up the camps where Saipan residents had been confined during World War II.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who took the lead in opening up the festivities, promised a different Liberation Day festivities.
“This year’s Liberation Day Festivities will be different…not because of the change of venue, but because this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan,” Tudela said in his welcoming remarks. “Before this year’s festivities end on July 4, we will have been visited by many veterans of that great battle. To us, every veteran is a hero, and we hope that as they return to visit their former battle sites, they will find that our island has since been reborn as a beautiful tourist destination and a peaceful place to live in.”
This year’s theme is “Strength in unity and diversity.”
Tudela touched on the island’s various ethnic groups, saying the rich rainbow of cultures and nationalities give Saipan a unique strength and unity “because of our diversity.”
The ceremony also served as a formal introduction of the eight candidates who make up this year’s Liberation Day Royal Court.
Vying for this year’s reign as Liberation Day queen are Nadia Manglona, Sweeda Glad, Myla Capilitan, Sara Igisaiar, Heather Woodruff, Monarie Cabrera, Leiana Ogumoro, and Sheyvonne Maratita.
Each candidate is currently selling tickets in hopes of earning the coveted title. The candidate selling the most tickets and raising the most money will be crowned queen.
According to Tudela, the counting of money raised is set for June 19.
Glad and Capilitan headed the singing of the National Anthem while Ogumoro, along with local artist Vina Claire “Sashuram” Saures led everyone in singing the CNMI Anthem.
The festival features various entertainment, rides, and vendors.
