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Wanted: Volunteers to welcome the veterans
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Posted on Jun 10 2004
With the 60th anniversary of the World War II Battles of Saipan and Tinian set to swing in full gear this weekend, the Hospitality Committee is currently seeking volunteers to help in welcoming veterans as they arrive.
According to Hospitality chair Catherine Barry, volunteers for the welcoming group are especially needed tonight, June 12, and June 13.
“The whole purpose of doing this is we want the veterans to feel like Medal of Honor winners, regardless of ranking,” she said. “We want them to feel welcome and appreciated for all the sacrifices they made that enabled us to have our way of life today. When they leave, we want them to look back and say that was an experience of a lifetime.”
Barry said a large group of veterans would arrive tonight at 8pm at the Saipan International Airport, and urges anyone interested to be at the arrival gate.
“We’re going to have flags and we want people to wave, put on a smile, and really make the veterans feel welcome. Not many are allowed in the terminal, but outside, many can gather. We want everyone to be a part of it.”
Further, Barry commented that the welcoming ceremony is “a way for people to contribute.”
“I’ve been getting a lot of emails and calls from people who are interested in volunteering, and this is one way to contribute.”
Barry said volunteers of all ages have already shown interest in helping with the commemoration, including manning hospitality desks at various hotels. “A lot of people are helping. They will be guiding veterans and guests, answering questions, passing programs during events, and more.”
Entertainments and ceremonies will also be held at the terminals as part of the welcoming of veterans.
Commemoration events kick off this Saturday, June 12 and conclude on June 18.
Various activities have been set up, including seminars, historic sites tours, Laser Light shows, a parade, and the formal commemoration ceremony that features Enola Gay pilot retired Gen. Paul Tibbets as the keynote speaker. Activities on Tinian also include the unveiling of World War II bomb pits that have been excavated.
