Thousands celebrate Liberation Day

The scorching heat of yesterday’s morning sun failed to put a damper on the mood of thousands of people on Saipan who joined together in celebrating the 60th Liberation Day of the CNMI and the 229th American Independence Day.

A total of 45 ethnic groups and organizations and vehicle marched and rolled along the long stretch of Beach Road from Quartermaster Road to the Kristo Rai Church, which was closed from 6am to 9am, for the Independence Day parade.

The CNMI’s Taga Riders Motorcycle Club, Amigo Riders Motorcycles and Vehicles, Thunder Road Motorcycle Club of Guam, and Marianas Racing Association led the parade with the deep-throated roar of motorcycles and souped-up cars and trucks.

The Department of Public Safety escorted this year’s Grand Marshall, Agnes Manglona McPhetres, to the grandstand.

Over 50 visiting servicemen from the USS Gary marched in McPhetre’s wake, followed by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457, MSU Junior ROTC cadets, Family Readiness Group of the U.S. Army Reserves 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry, and the military music vehicle, in that order.

The crowd continued to cheer when the convoy carrying the islands’ beauty queens passed. The 2004 Liberation Queen Leaian Kaipat Ogumuro, with 2004 First Princess Heather Woodruff, rode in style on a top-down limousine.

Former Miss CNMI World Tracy Del Rosario and former Miss Teen CNMI Divana Dela Cruz, who were on an SUV, gamely gave away yesterday’s program booklets.

The parade was also full of live music as the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force band, especially flown in from Okinawa, Japan, joined the Liberation Day festivities by playing “ska” music to the delight of the crowd.

Military and Veterans Affairs Office executive officer Ruth Coleman tagged along and danced with Liberation Day executive committee chair Eloy Inos when the band performed Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog in front of the special guests at the grandstand.

DPS fire trucks and Saipan International Airport vehicles of extraordinary sizes were the undisputed kings of the road when they thundered along Beach Road, to the amazement of everyone in attendance.

Members of the Japanese Society of the CNMI showcased their country’s traditional dances, complete with the Land of the Rising Sun’s colorful costumes. Another Japanese group that joined the parade was Domanka Domatsuri of Nagoya, Japan.

The Bangladesh Society of the CNMI also caught a lot of people’s attention when three of its members had themselves painted in white and acted like statues throughout the parade, holding up the flags of the United States, the Commonwealth, and their national flag.

Emcee Laila Boyer said she was surprised that the “human statues” seemed to not even perspire, making their impression all the more believable and impressive.

Colorful and wonderful costumes were the trademark of the Falun Dafa Association of Saipan, and led by its spokesman Vincent Perez, the group displayed an assortment of dance movements during the parade.

Floats of all make, colors, and sizes also made their way to Beach Road. Floats featured in the parade were Microl-Toyota’s, which featured the Marine band from Okinawa and players of 2005 BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League champions Prius, the Family of PFC Rudy Kaipat & our CNMI Troops, Carolinian Affairs Office, Jollibee Restaurant of Saipan, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, United Filipino Organization, 2004 Marianas Diva Ariyanah Vancatiea, San Jose Village Community Youth, and the 2005 Liberation Royal Court Float.

The winner for the best float has yet to be announced as of press time.

Also joining the parade were members of the Saipan Pathfinders Club, Garapan Elementary School’s Girl Scouts Marching Unit, William S. Reyes Elementary School Girl Scouts, Hopwood Junior High School Marching Unit, CNMI Youth Center of Music Drum Corps, Uncle Ben TV, Lions Club of the CNMI, KAMPIL, NMI Crime Stoppers, Alliance of Filipino Organizations, Korean Association of Saipan, Power 99 and the Rock, Verizon Star Cruizer Van, Built2Impress, Classic Imports Car Club, the Lanchero Riders, MASA, Saipan Auto Club, and Car Haus-Auto Shop.

A brief program followed shortly after the parade, which had the 2005 Royal Court leading the dignitaries and guests to the carnival grounds.

The festivities did not end as entertainment followed throughout the day. The Liberation Day executive committee reminded the public that the festivities will be until July 10, when a raffle draw will be held for a 2005 Toyota Camry giveaway.

The committee is inviting the public to purchase raffle tickets for only a dollar each. Proceeds will go the Saipan Mayor’s Office’s community service projects.