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Marianas Memorial inaugurated
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Posted on Jun 14 2004
By CASSIE DLG FEJERAN
Special to the Saipan Tribune
Veterans, government officials, families, and friends trooped to the American Memorial Park early Sunday morning to witness the unveiling of the Marianas Memorial, a granite edifice dedicated to the Chamorros and Carolinians who have died during the war
Gov. Juan Babauta, Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente, and Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela led the dignitaries that attended the Memorial Mass just before the unveiling of the memorial.
At the start of the ceremony, members of the CNMI Youth Congress took turns reciting the names of 933 indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian war victims.
Youth Congress Speaker Alvin “Champ” Fejeran said he feels honored to have been a part of this memorial ceremony. “We were very willing to [participate] because we were requested by the DCCA and the committee that is handling the 60th commemoration. We were honored to be selected,” said Fejeran.
The recitation of the 933 names was just the beginning of the memorial ceremony. The youth also played a part in the Mass that took place shortly after the blessing of the memorial by Bishop Thomas A. Camacho.
Representatives of the Mercedarian Sisters, along with Benavente, removed the mantle to unveil the memorial. Soon after the memorial was unveiled, several doves were set free.
Father Isaac Ayuyu was on hand to assist Bishop Camacho with the memorial Mass.
