Veterans Day observance honors fallen local heroes

“A thousand may not seem like a significant number in seconds, in minutes, but in days deployed, it carries more weight. This is the number of days we spent in the war zone in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

These dramatic words, delivered by retired lieutenant colonel Franklin Babauta in his keynote address, underscored the occasion’s solemnity last Saturday, when the CNMI held the annual Veterans Day celebration at the American Memorial Park to honor the CNMI’s fallen war heroes.

Afghanistan-Iraq war veteran Babauta, who currently serves as the special assistant for CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, paid tribute not only to all veterans, but to those who lost their lives while serving in active duty, most especially sons of the Marianas who laid their lives for the freedom Americans celebrate today.

Babauta paid tribute to his Afghanistan-Iraq war comrades and fellow island warriors SSgt. Wilgene Tudela Lieto and Cpl. Derence Weilbacher Jack, who lost their lives while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“For my comrades and I, Oct. 31 hits deep and different. It is the day that will be eternally etched in our mind and hearts. It has been that way since 2005, over 18 years ago. Instead of talking about my service today, I would like to talk about SSgt. Wilgene Tudela Lieto and Cpl. Derence Weilbacher Jack. …I believe everyone should learn about and never forget their names,” he said.

“SSgt. Lieto was born on Saipan and he was only 28 years old when he was killed in action when an improvised explosive device was remotely detonated under a Humvee during a patrol operation. Cpl. Jack was born on Saipan and was only 31 years old when he died instantly in the same explosion as he served as the gunner in the patrol operation where SSgt. Lieto served as the Humvee driver. The detonation claimed their lives and they were both awarded military medals for their valor and sacrifice,” he added.

Babauta stated that it is his greatest honor to have served with Lieto and Jack and all those who served and laid down their lives for their islands and nation.

“It is my greatest honor to have served with Lieto and Jack, two special island warriors who gave their lives for the liberty we enjoy and celebrate today. I want to also remember all those from the Marianas who laid down their lives for our freedom. They embraced patriotism until the very end and for that, I have the greatest respect and appreciation for their service. They will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

Also speaking in last Saturday’s ceremony was Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, who shared his gratitude for the nation’s veterans, especially those who died fighting for the nation’s freedom.

During last Saturday’s ceremony, the CNMI had a special visit from USS Shoup commander Dale Tourtelotte and other officers of the vessel. Tourtelotte also had the honor to deliver remarks at the event.