NMI remembers fallen soldiers, veterans

“Throughout history, our nation has willingly sent their sons and their daughters to the forefront of every conflict America has faced. Whether fighting for freedom in the jungles of Vietnam, making a stand against terrorism in Iraq or Afghanistan, or delivering humanitarian assistance across the globe, the heroes of the CNMI have answered the call. The cost was great.”

Keynote speaker Rear Adm. William D. French said this in yesterday’s Memorial Day ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Susupe, stressing the importance of reflection and recognition of fallen heroes, veterans, and individuals currently serving in the military.

The U.S. Defense Representative for Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau said that the Memorial Day commemoration should continue forever, as it also serves as a time to remember, honor, and thank individuals responsible for the country’s freedom.

“Today is the day we remember them to represent the dedication, the pride and patriotism of the CNMI people. They died fighting for a cause, a good cause, that our nation will be forever grateful,” said French.

Office of the Military/Veterans Affairs executive director Ruth Coleman also shared her remarks for this Memorial Day.

She said that today, the nation is obsessed with costs—“The cost of gasoline, the cost of food, the cost of living. But at which cost do we gather here today as citizens of the most powerful free nation on earth?

“On Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who have paid the price of our security and freedom, those who have sacrificed in this nation’s defense so that we can complain about the cost of gasoline, and food, and if we choose, do something about it,” said Coleman.

“Each of those we remember today came to one defining moment of decision—to put on our country’s uniform and recite a solemn oath of allegiance to our nation and its bedrock of principles,” Coleman said.

She explained that it is in that one moment that sets them apart forever. “It changed their lives and took many ordinary people to extraordinary experiences of hardship and heroism.”

She added that these individuals are those the nation calls heroes. “But they didn’t put the uniform on to be heroes. There was a job to be done and they did the best they knew how.”

Coleman said only a few would claim the title hero, although all of them are and so are those they leave behind such as mothers, fathers, wives, sons, and daughters “who made their own sacrifice…those who waited anxiously at home and sometimes—too many times—received that fateful telegram or knock on the door.”

“What can we say—what can anyone say—to those who lose a loved one to war. Words fail us most of the time,” Coleman said.

She asked how else can the living repay such a debt after giving the nation so much.

“We still rely on our sons and daughters to defend our liberty and bear sacrifice on the altar of freedom. And they rely on us to honor them, support them, believe in them and hold them in our thoughts…this Memorial Day and everyday,” Coleman said.

‘Freedom is not free’

Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez echoed this remark, alluding to a statement he said during last year’s Memorial Day.

“As I said then, we are reminded that freedom is not free. Whether it be a service member of decades ago or a young man or woman in the war zone today, our history has been secured by those in uniform,” Villagomez said.

He said that this Memorial Day weekend, “kids get out of school to enjoy summer vacation, families gather to have picnics, the Indianapolis 500 is run. We enjoy life and live in peace, because of the freedom bought by those we honor this day.”

Villagomez urged members of the community to recognize the nobility of military service in liberty’s name. “Let our thoughts be with the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom we hold so dear. Today, we honor their sacrifice.”

In memoriam

This Memorial Day, the CNMI community remembered its fallen soldiers: Sgt. Eddie L. Chen, Staff Sgt. Wilgene Lieto, Cpl. Derence Jack, Lance Cpl. Adam Q. Emul, Cpl. Lee Roy Camacho, Cpl. Joe Junior G. Charfaurus, and Seaman Ana Marie SN Camacho.

Casualties from Guam, Sgt. Jesse Castro and Spc. John Flores, are also considered from the CNMI since their biological parents are from the Northern Marianas.

Pfc. Victor Michael Fontanilla’s home record is in California but his biological parents are from the CNMI.

According to French, “Those who served and those who fall are not just statistics from this war. They are not faceless soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, or Coast Guards men. They are our fellow citizens, they are the Commonwealth’s beloved sons and daughters—your family, your friends, and your neighbors.”

Annual rite

The ceremony featured the laying of wreaths by Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, French, Coleman, members of the VFW Post 3457, members of the CNMI Veterans Association, members of the U.S. Armed Forces Association, Miss Teen CNMI Ariel St. Clair, Little Miss CNMI Kayla Borja, and Princess Kassandra Royal.

The ceremony also featured a 21-gun salute, executed by Company E, 100th Battalion, 442nd (SEP) Infantry of the U.S. Army Reserve.

JROTC cadets from Saipan Southern, Kagman, and Marianas high schools were also involved in the ceremony, responsible for the posting of flags.

The ceremony was also attended by members of the Legislature, veterans, and current members of the military.

Ceremonial music, as well as the U.S. and CNMI anthems, were provided by the Pacific Winds Concert Band.

All flags in the CNMI were placed at half-staff.