Farrell is 80th Battle of Saipan’s distinguished speaker

Local historian and renowned author Don A. Farrell will be the distinguished speaker for the 80th Battle of Saipan Anniversary tomorrow, June 15, at the American Memorial Park.

“I am very honored to be among such distinguished guests to speak on June 15 at American Memorial Park. I have spent the better part of my life studying the history of the Mariana Islands. I am only pleased to have the opportunity to share a few thoughts on why we have enjoyed 80 years of peace since the war,” Farrell told Saipan Tribune.

Farrell was born in 1947 to a World War II vet and raised in the Great Northwest. He graduated high school in Salt Lake City, served a six-year tour in the U.S. Air Force, then earned a B.A. in Biological Science from California State College at Fullerton in 1973 and a degree in Secondary Education from California State College at San Bernardino in 197S.

Farrell’s writing career began in Guam with the 1981 publication of The Americanization of Guam: 1898-1918, followed by The Sacrifice of Guam: 1919-1943 and Liberation—1944. Farrell moved to Tinian in 1987, authoring the first History of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1991, followed by History of the Mariana Islands to Partition. Modern History of the Northern Mariana Islands is in publication. He has also written numerous magazine and newspaper articles on the history of the Mariana Islands. Farrell credits his understanding of Marianas history to 35 years of government service, including chief of staff to the speaker of the Guam Legislature, and chief of staff to the mayor of the Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan. He was elected to the CNMI State Board of Education and served as its chair for two years.

Farrell is married to Carmen Muna Dela Cruz of Tinian. They have three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandson.

Meanwhile, the 80th Battle of Saipan Anniversary Organizing Committee released the program for the 80th Battle of Saipan Anniversary and it will start at 8am with the reenactment of the invasion at Green Beach 2 at the Civic Center beach next to the da’ok tree. It will be followed by the wreath presentation at Veterans Memorial (Civic Center), at 8:30am. The motorcade to the American Memorial Park will be at 8:45am. The motorcade will stop at the fire station in Garapan to walk to American Memorial Park by 9:1oam. Around 9:20am will be the assembly for the parade.

The highlight of the program at the American Memorial Park’s ceremony of honor begins at 10am. In the program, there will be posting of colors by Department of Public Safety, an invocation from Fr. Jesse Reyes, singing of the U.S. and CNMI national anthems by the Marianas Trench Band. Welcoming remarks will be addressed by Barbara Alberti, superintendent, National Parks Service, and the special remarks will be provided by Keone Nakoa, deputy assistant secretary of Insular and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior. The honorary speaker will be Mark Hashimoto, a retired major general and also executive director of Marine Forces Pacific. The keynote speaker is the commanding general of 4th Marine Division, Brigadier General John Jerrard.

The program will also have Consul Ryioji Takagaki of the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan delivering the distinguished remarks. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios will serve as the honored speaker.