Today, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day, American Memorial Park will honor all those who have died serving in America’s armed forces.

This Memorial Day marks a significant milestone in our island and our nation’s history. Eighty years ago, on June 15, 1944, World War II arrived on Saipan’s western shores. Thirty-four years later American Memorial Park was established to honor the American servicemen and the Chamorro and Carolinian people who died during the Battles for Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippine Sea.

Each year the park displays over 500 luminarias in tribute to the servicemen who lost their lives during these battles. The candles will be lit by park staff and volunteers beginning at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 26 and will remain lit through Memorial Day. Each luminaria represents 10 names engraved on the Court of Honor and Flag Circle. Please consider joining us for this annual event. At sunset on Memorial Day the community is welcome to pay tribute to our fallen in the glow of over 500 luminarias.

The park also invites the community to take part in upcoming events honoring the war’s 80th anniversary. This includes free community bus tours happening on June 1, June 8 and June 22. For these tours, seats are limited, and pre-registration is required. The half day tour will take participants to WWII sites throughout the island.

To stay up to date on park events follow us on social media or simply give us a call at (670) 234-7207 ext. 2020. The Visitor Center is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the park!”

The American Memorial Park is on Instagram @AmericanMemorialPark and Facebook on American Memorial Park. (PR)

AMP