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War vets to arrive next week for recognition
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Posted on Mar 02 2005
Thirty-seven World War II veterans are to set foot on Saipan next week as part of their journey to the historical battlegrounds of Iwo Jima.
Military and Veterans Affairs Office deputy executive officer Ruth Coleman said these veterans would be honored on March 9 at the American Memorial Park. The ceremony will start at 12pm.
Pacific Development Inc. will be handling the historical tour, said Coleman.
The ceremony will also have Navajo code talker Teddy Draper, doing a cleansing ceremony, said PDI public relations and marketing manager Gordon Marciano.
Marciano said his group would be the ground agent for the arriving veterans in March.
“The group are set for an island tour of Saipan and Tinian, before departing for Iwo Jima to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the battle on Iwo Jima,” said Marciano.
Marciano said the 37 veterans form part of approximately 111 tourists who are expected to visit the island next week. He said 12 of these veterans actually fought on Saipan.
Jerry Facey, co-chair of the 60th Anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian, said he is looking forward to present the awards and medals to the veterans who fought with honor in the Pacific region.
The ceremony is in collaboration with Office of the Governor, Marianas Visitors Authority, Military and Veterans Affairs Office, American Memorial Park and PDI. Officials and other volunteer personnel will welcome the group and will ensure all arrangements for the ceremony is set. The Tinian Mayor’s Office is also set to welcome the group on Tinian during a sightseeing tours of the island.
The veterans and the rest of the group will be staying at the Pacific Islands Club. PDI is inviting everyone to witness the ceremony at the American Memorial Park next week and is hoping to see the community and schools support the recognition of these war veterans. (Marconi Calindas)
