‘Where our fathers once fought, our families find peace’

It was solemn moment as three groups joined in solidarity to not only commemorate the sacrifices and battles of World War II, but more importantly, to recognize 80 years of peace in the Pacific during a proclamation signing last Friday on the once war-torn beaches of Achugao.

The proclamation signing, held by the beaches of Aqua Resort Club, recognized 80 years of peace in the CNMI since the Battles of Saipan and Tinian that took place from June to July 1944, during the Pacific Theater of World War II. The signing on Friday was hosted by the Battle of Saipan and Tinian Committee under the Saipan Mayor’s Office, and was joined by many dignitaries, including Gov. Arnold I Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, members of the 23rd CNMI Legislature, and the families of World War II veterans. It was a beautiful moment as the indigenous people of Saipan gathered with their American and Japanese brothers and sisters to mark a historical milestone.

Several U.S. veterans and relatives of the World War II veterans who came as part of the Stephen Ambrose Group were present for the signing.

Keynote speaker Chris Anderson of the Stephen Ambrose Group said he’s been making these tours for years with veterans and families of veterans, and highlighted the importance to keep remembering the stories and history.

“[The veterans] would share their stories, and they would come back, and they would talk, and they would tell stories, and they would share their stories. And we could all listen and learn. But it was easy because we had them there to remind us. And now, unfortunately, it’s harder and harder for veterans of that engagement to come back and to tell us and remind us of their sacrifices and what they accomplished and what they endured. And since they have gone, it’s going to fall on all of us,” Anderson said.

He said the CNMI has in a way become a second home to him. “I’ve been coming to the Marianas…to talk about this battle for many, many, many years. I always love coming back. Just today, when I took my group to Tinian, one of the first things that happened is one of the people there on the island gave me a big hug and…it was a really wonderful feeling.

“I always enjoy coming back, and I love bringing guests here who maybe know little or nothing about what happened here, to not only take them to the places where these events happened, but also to have them meet all the wonderful people here and have them share their stories and to remind them that not only did armies fight here, but civilians endured the war here. And I hope that my guests, when they leave, take that away with them as well, that it wasn’t just about the Marines that landed here or the Army or the Navy or anything else, but also the civilians that endured and contributed so much to what happened,” he added.

He also emphasized the importance of keeping events like these alive. “The veterans can’t travel like they used to. It’s up to you here on Saipan and Tinian to keep this alive. And you’re already doing a great job, and I want to thank you for providing such a wonderful environment for us to come back and bring folks to. But I know that it’s going to be up to you and your efforts. And when I come and I see events like this and I meet more of you, I think the legacy of that battle and these events are in really good hands. You guys are doing an absolutely fantastic job And speaking as somebody who brings tour groups back here all the time, but also as an individual, I thank you for that. If you didn’t do what you do, there wouldn’t be anything here and there wouldn’t be any stories to tell,” he said.

Gordan Marciano, who is the committee chair of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian, said he has he’s worked on the different commemorations of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian and he’d seen that events like these bring together these men and women and bring them peace.

“They bring closure. They bring peace. They bring together our Japanese and our American brothers and sisters to have peace, and that’s what I take away from working with them,” he said.

Marciano shared that more tour groups of veterans from both Japan and the United States will be on island this week and in coming weeks.

“Veteran tour groups and veterans of World War II families are always making the time to come and revisit where their families have fought and died,” he said.

He also thanked his fellow partners in the 80th Anniversary Community, the Office of the Mayor of Saipan, the Veterans Affairs Office, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the American Memorial Park for their support.

“If we can have peace with the Japanese and Americans for the past 80 years, then I think the whole world should learn from the Pacific,” he added.

Damien Burnett, a son of a World War II Marine veteran, said his father fought in the Pacific theater, and served in the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Sea. He shared that it was wonderful to experience being so close to where his father served and being on Saipan and Tinian.

“It’s really interesting to really be in the place where history happened. …This is my first time. First time to Saipan. You have a beautiful country, beautiful people. I love being here,” he said.

He acknowledged that Japan and the United States were adversaries during World War II, but many things have now changed.

“There are some Japanese people here, and this event is held so we can commemorate that peace we have together. And it really goes to show the attitude of the current people versus the attitude of the people who fought in the war. …I know what happened. I know the history, but Japan is a great ally of ours now. …So let’s not hold on to that pain from 80 years ago. Acknowledge it exists. Understand why it happened, but we don’t need to hold on to it,” he said.

In his remarks, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho acknowledged the presence of the Japanese, Americans, and Chamorro and Carolinians at the event and said, “Today, we stand united in our commitment to peace. The bonds that once divided us have been replaced by the respect and love we have for each other. Although we were once torn apart by war, it’s time to reflect on the past, honor those who came before us, and celebrate the peace we enjoy today.”

‘Although we were once torn apart by war, it’s time to reflect on the past, honor those who came before us, and celebrate the peace we enjoy today.’