Over 80 Koreans visit Peace Memorial

Over 80 Koreans—local and visiting—celebrated their country’s Independence Day with a memorial service paying tribute to their war dead in the CNMI.

Almost a hundred Koreans from the CNMI and South Korea gathered at the Korean Memorial Peace Shrine in Marpi yesterday morning for the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the shrine on Saipan, coinciding with South Korea’s Independence Day celebration.

Several Korean and local dignitaries attended the hour-long ceremony led by Lt. Gov. Tim P. Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Marianas Visitors Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres, Korean Overseas Victims Foundation chair Lee Yung Taek, Consul General Lee Jung IL, Korean Association president Yoon, former Korean Association president Lee Hung Sup, and Taegu University president Lee Yong Du.

Villagomez said the Korean monument in Marpi pays tribute to Koreans who died during the Battle of Saipan in June and July 1944.

“After 60 years later, the World War that touched the shores of our countries is not forgotten. Most importantly, the lessons learned from that event are not forgotten, either,” Villagomez said.

“We pray that these loses will never again be suffered by the people of our nations and that the message of peace will prevail in the world for generations to come,” he added.

Tudela also paid his respect saying that “there is no doubt that the sacrifices for their families back home will never be forgotten by everyone here today.”

At least 30 members of the Korean JROTC also arrived to offer their salutes to the war dead. Dignitaries and other guests offered prayers and respect as the queued up to bow their heads at the base of the shrine yesterday afternoon. [B][I](With reports from Jacqueline Dela Cruz)[/I][/B]

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Photo Caption: Lt. Gov. Tim P. Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Marianas Visitors Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres, Korean Overseas Victims Foundation chair Lee Yung Taek, Consul General Lee Jung IL, Korean Association president Yoon, former Korean Association president Lee Hung Sup, and Taegu University president Lee Yong Du, Daegu University R.O.T.C students, and other guests gather for a photo after the event at the Korean Memorial Peace Shrine in Marpi yesterday. (Jacqueline Hernandez)