{"id":277019,"date":"2018-05-29T06:06:32","date_gmt":"2018-05-28T20:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=277019"},"modified":"2018-05-29T06:06:32","modified_gmt":"2018-05-28T20:06:32","slug":"to-our-heroes-thank-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/to-our-heroes-thank-you\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018To our heroes, thank you\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A relative sits beside the grave of a CNMI veteran during yesterday\u2019s commemoration of Memorial Day at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi. Joint Region Marianas\/U.S. Naval Forces Marianas commander Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield graced the occasion. (Jon Perez)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The clear blue skies and the cool, gentle breeze yesterday were the perfect foil to the heartfelt speeches given at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi.<\/p>\n

Organized by the CNMI Military\/Veterans Affairs Office, the occasion was graced not only by the families of veterans who have passed on, but also by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, Joint Region Marianas\/U.S. Naval Forces Marianas commander.<\/p>\n

According to Torres, he had the opportunity to join the Matua Riders and Young Gunz\u2019s Freedom Ride last Saturday and it was that ride that made him reflect upon the freedom every U.S. citizen has, thanks to the sacrifices made by fallen heroes. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the opportunity to experience what other countries don\u2019t and that is our freedom, the freedom that none of us should ever take for granted. This morning we are here to honor that and appreciate all the sacrifices,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Chatfield, as keynote speaker, made the event special by choosing to participate in the CNMI\u2019s Memorial Day commemoration ceremony this year. \u201cI am honored and humbled to be here with you today as we recognize the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform around the world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Chatfield said the purpose of a Memorial Day ceremony is to gather together and honor the men and women who gave the last full measure of devotion and as a result could not enjoy the freedom they fought for\u2014the freedom America continues to enjoy. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we cannot gaze up at their smiles, we cannot shake their hands or share with them the warm embrace, we can still feel their presence here, especially today\u2026They have inspired countless men and women to raise their hands in service, all answering the call of duty for the land they call home and the values that we all share,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Chatfield also recognized fallen heroes like the late Corporal Derence W. Jack and the late Staff Sgt. Wilgene T. Lieto and their loved ones for their sacrifices. <\/p>\n

\u201cTo the Jack and Lieto family and all the families who have lost their loved ones, and to our heroes, thank you. It is because of your continued courage and strength\u2026that allows us to be here today and count our blessings. We have the utmost respect for you,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease know that we hold each of you and your fallen heroes in our hearts and you and your loved ones are forever in our prayers. Their blood was not shed in vain; their examples stand as a beckon to our fellow countrymen and women that the ideals we hold dear are worth defending,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n

Whether they were deployed overseas or served the nation from home, Chatfield said it is to these honorable men and women that America owes their gratitude for its freedom and its way of life. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe men and women we recognize today gave their time, they gave their sweat, they gave their tears, and when they had nothing left to give, they gave their very lives\u2026it is and will forever remain our duty\u2026to preserve their memory,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Dignitaries also laid a wreath by the Veterans Cemetery memorial and the Department of Public Safety also did a 21-gun salute. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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