‘Don’t waste freedoms veterans sacrificed for’

Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Tom, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Pacific Command based in Hawaii, said the greatest thanks an American can give a veteran is not to waste the freedoms these veterans sacrificed to gain and preserve.

“Veterans know better than anyone else that freedom is not free,” Tom said in a lengthy speech he delivered at the annual celebration of Veterans Day yesterday at the Court of Honor of the American Memorial Park.

Tom thanked CNMI government officials led by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and those who organized this year’s occasion like Ruth Coleman, the executive officer of the Military and Veterans Affairs.

“It is truly an honor to stand before you representing my boss, Adm. Timothy Keating, and the over 3,000 servicemen and women serving in the United States Pacific Command,” Tom said.

This year’s celebration is to honor all who served, including those who are currently serving, as well as other veterans, past and present.

Tom traced the holiday’s origin back to then President Woodrow Wilson, who proclaimed on Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day with the words “the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”

Congress set the same date in 1938 as a legal holiday to honor World War I veterans. In 1945 the name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, with President Dwight D. Eisenhower making the first proclamation to solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought for freedom.

“The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” Tom said.

For these reasons, it is always a privilege to be in the company of veterans, he added.

“You are the greatest role-models for our current service members. We look to you for inspiration. It is your example of sacrifice and dedication that keeps us motivated and strong. When we hear your stories if valor and service, we definitely owe you a great debt of gratitude. Today’s service members are permanently linked to you,” Tom said.

A bomb expert officer on Tinian during World War II, Anthony Praxel, attended the ceremony for the first time in 63 years. Praxel was given a medallion to honor his sacrifices during the war.

Two other veterans who served in the Vietnam War joined local veterans. They are Brian Norton and Bruce Petty of USS Yorktown, who both served in Vietnam in the 1950s.

The CNMI Marine Scouts present were Manny “Kiyu” Villagomez, Santiago Babauta, Ignacio Sablan, Antonio Tenorio and Nicolas Muna.

“Your service forever links you to those defending our nation now and those who will defend it in the future. You taught us the meaning of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Our values are a reflection of your service,” Tom said.

Tom said the parades and ceremonies are just one small gesture, a way for the American people to show them how proud they are of the veterans and what they have done.

Tom vowed to continue protecting the veterans’ legacy and hand it down to those who continue the proud tradition of service.

“Much has changed with our service members over the years, but the core values remain the same. There is no difference in the patriotism of the modern service member and their forebears,” Tom said.

Tom said the willingness to sacrifice for country and fellow service members is as timeless as it was at Normandy, the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Tinian.

“Our service members’ desire to free oppressed people around the world is as intense today as it was at the liberation of Guam and CNMI,” he said.

Tom said that it is this love of country and the internal makeup of the American service member that will allow the success of all future challenges.

Tom told about the story of Army Specialist Ross H. McGinnis, who received the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military award, after being killed when he blocked an explosion that saved the lives of four of his fellow soldiers.

Tom recalled that McGinnis’ father said during a ceremony to “accept what my son did for you as a gift and go on with your lives and make the world a better place to live.”

“Powerful and poignant words of the meaning of sacrifice and gratitude, don’t you agree? So, I say, in so doing, all veterans will be blessed knowing their sacrifices have meaning,” Tom said.