‘We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month’ proclaimed

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang proclaimed September as “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month” yesterday morning at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill.

The proclamation, which marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, also saw Palacios honor first responders including law enforcement, healthcare workers, and school staff for their dedication and sacrifices.

The governor also commended Tan Holdings president and CEO Jerry Tan and “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month” volunteers who have worked through the years to ensure the event is remembered.

“We’ve been doing this since 2016 so this is our ninth year. TSA was established after 9/11, and I guess for the last 23 years after our nation was attacked in 2001 all first responders and other government agencies have kept Americans safe,” said Tan.

He added that the islands have been safe but terrorism remains a persistent threat, citing as an example the recent cancellation of Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna, Austria due to terrorist threat.

Department of Corrections’ Lynnae Yobec read the “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month” proclamation by highlighting the significance of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. She emphasized the profound impact of 9/11 on the nation and resilience shown by its citizens in the face of tragedy. She explained that the resolution commemorates the lives lost during the attacks and the ongoing support for the families affected by the tragedy.

The resolution includes words honoring and extending gratitude to the military and veterans who continue to defend the nation against terrorism. It also remembers community heroes who responded to natural disasters, including typhoons, and utility personnel who maintain public quality of life during storms. Medical personnel were also recognized for their efforts in responding to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the “We Will Never Forget: Field of Heroes Month,” U.S. flags throughout the CNMI will be displayed at various parks in coordination with community partners to honor the lives lost and the heroic actions taken by first responders, veterans, and medical personnel.

To this end, the community is being encouraged to join the “We Will Never Forget” ceremony on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Yobec mentioned that gardens filled with U.S. flags serve as symbols of peace and a reminder of the community’s heroes and other noble acts.

“We hope that our beautiful gardens of red, white, and blue fields adorn with American flags will remind us of the three noble acts of our community heroes…courage for red, pure intentions for white, and remaining vigilant for blue, and serve as a symbol of peace and healing for our community.”

The proclamation will serve as a lasting tribute to the memory of the 9/11 tragedy and the brave individuals who put others before themselves, added Yobec.

Tan Holdings Community Relations vice president Catherine Attao-Toves acknowledged the support and partnership from various organizations in keeping children safe, especially in light of past threats in schools. She reflected on the impact of the 9/11 event 23 years ago, emphasizing how it changed lives globally and locally. She also added that the Field of Heroes event, organized by the Tan Sui Lin Foundation and government partners, is highlighted for its role in raising awareness about community heroes.

Attao-Toves also emphasized the importance of creating healing fields throughout the Northern Mariana Islands to honor community heroes and remember those who have passed. The event aims to amplify respect and gratitude for community heroes and never forget the daily sacrifices they make.

She mentioned that the color for this year’s event is RED which stands for Remember Everyone Deployed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all our military personnel who are deployed fighting against terrorism, but also to our NMI fighters who were recently deployed to the U.S. mainland.”

Attao-Toves ended her message by inviting everyone to the Sept. 11 activities on Tinian. The ceremony will begin at 10am and a freedom walk will start at 4:30pm on Saipan. She also added that this year will be different as they will start at the court of honor at American Memorial Park due to road construction.

According to Attao, the 9/11 ceremony on Rota will be on Sept. 13.

Representatives from the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Public School System, Transportation Security Administration, and Tan Siu Lin Foundation staff were in attendance during the reading and signing of the proclamation. Police Sgt. Patrick Arriola served as the ceremony’s emcee.