‘Remember, reflect, and be grateful’

“What we have here today as part of American society, we can never take for granted.”

These were the words of Capt. Stephen Maynard, commanding officer of the USS Blue Ridge, who served as keynote speaker in yesterday’s Veterans’ Day ceremony at the American Memorial Park.

“There are people out there that want to take away our liberties, to infringe upon our right to have personal freedoms, and we have to be strong as a military so that we can stand up to them,” Maynard said during an interview. “Those [who] have already done so deserve a special place of remembrance in our hearts for all the good that they’ve done for the common good.

“I think that’s what we have to remember here. Its not just a holiday where we get a day off from work. It’s a day we should reflect on and remember what people have done for us,” he added.

Everyone in attendance expressed similar views, spending over an hour to witness the speeches and activities dedicated to those who fought and are still fighting for the American way of life.

With the U.S. and CNMI flags waving in the air in the background, officials followed one other in extending personal messages of appreciation to all veterans and current member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Veterans’ Day is a day of peace…peace made possible through the valiant and courageous efforts of our American patriots,” said Washington Rep. Pedro A. Tenorio. “On this important day, we honor our American veterans everywhere, not only for leaving family and love ones at home to fight in a constant stream of conflicts around the world, but also for serving our nation in the highest station available to any citizen—as protectors of our ideals, values, hopes and dreams.”

The ceremony also featured the laying of wreaths by officials, including Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Tenorio, Maynard, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, the VFW Post 3457, CNMI Veterans Association, U.S. Armed Forces Association, as well as AMP ranger Chuck Sayon and Military Affairs Office deputy special assistant Ruth Coleman.

“Freedom does not come cheaply! It is purchased at a very high cost,” Coleman said during her appreciation remarks. “These are the man and women who, when they were called, answered with enthusiasm, and like their brothers and sisters, did not ask if it was going to be easy. They came, they sacrificed, they gave of themselves in the belief that they were defending liberty; a liberty which if they did not live to see, would stand as a shining beacon for the children who come after them. This is what the terrorists who attack our freedom do not, and will never understand.”

Also included in the ceremony was the recognition of local Marine Scouts who served during World War II. They were presented with coins and certificates by Gov. Babauta and Washington Rep. Tenorio.