Previous Story
Victims of Nazi Final Solution remembered in proclamation
|
Posted on Apr 28 2005
The Saipan Mayor’s Office proclaimed the first week of May as “Day of Remembrance” in honor of the millions of Jews who died at the hands of Nazi Germany’s Third Reich.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela led the proclamation attended by at least five religious groups in the CNMI and some 8th grade students from Hopwood Junior High School.
Tudela proclaimed May 1 to 8 as the commemoration dates for honoring those who perished in the Holocaust. He said this is the third year that the Saipan Mayor’s Office will observe this event.
Tudela said he started honoring victims of the Holocaust three years ago when he received letters from concerned individuals suggesting that he proclaim such dates to make the Saipan community aware of the hardships and sacrifices of the people who were affected by discrimination and genocide.
The mayor said all pastors from all religious groups would conduct their own events observing the “Days of Remembrance.”
Tudela said on May 6, the public is invited to a lighting of candles at the Multi-Purpose Center as a memorial service. He said there would also be a special Mass on May 8 at Mt. Carmel Cathedral.
Rory Starkey, an 8th grade teacher at HJHS, said he brought his students so that they would be aware of what had happened in the past and, through this awareness, the students would appreciate life and ensure that the Holocaust would not happen again.
Pastor Glenn Jenkins from Saipan Community Church said it is always important that people recognize events in history, especially events like the Holocaust where six million Jews were murdered.
Representatives who attended the proclamation signing included Associate Judge David Wiseman from the Jewish community, Pastor Bud Carroll and Starkey from United Immanuel Methodist Church, Pastor Glenn Jenkins from Saipan Community Church, Pastor Ferdinand Ian Guinto from Grace Christian Assemblies of God, and Jhangir Alam from the Muslim community.
