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A LibDay motorcade on Sunday?
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Posted on Jul 02 2021
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457, the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, and other military organizations have teamed up to possibly host its own July 4 motorcade, and invites the community to watch and participate in the motorcade. The motorcade is set to begin at the Garapan Fishing Base at 9am this Sunday.
In a text message from Brad Ruszala—who is District VI commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pacific Areas—he said Thursday that the motorcade’s vehicles will begin gathering at the Garapan Fishing Base at 8:30am and the motorcade itself will begin at 9am. The motorcade will travel south through Saipan’s main roads, circle back to Beach Road, and return to Garapan Fishing Base approximately two hours later.
In an email Thursday from special assistant for military affairs Glenna Sakisat Palacios, she said the CBMA held a get-together a few weeks ago to discuss the possibility of a LibDay motorcade. Present at the meeting were representatives of VFW, CBMA, and Maj. Josh Kettenton, who is the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Liaison Officer for the CNMI.
For now, there is no definite number as to how many vehicles will be a part of the motorcade. As such, Palacios looks forward to the community taking part in the proposed event with vehicles decorated with Liberation Day-related trappings.
Palacios also said the pandemic has undoubtedly proven to be a challenge in regards to Liberation Day festivities, but believes that this weekend will remain a time for the community to celebrate, whether it be through family get-togethers, barbecues, or picnics. She also spoke on how parades are typically a major part of Liberation Day festivities throughout the United States, and believes that, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting a motorcade will be an opportunity for the community to safely celebrate the holiday.
