TINIAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands -- Approximately 600 residents of the patriotic island of Tinian and more than 150 active duty Marines participating in Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 attended a historic Memorial Day service held on North Field here May 28.
The master of ceremonies was 1st Lt. Kiersten L. Madsen, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171motor transportation executive officer, operations platoon officer-incharge and North Field air base commandant.
“Today an event was held in honor of Memorial Day by the Marines participating in Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 to honor those who in past and present have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,"said Madsen. “This was also the first time active duty service members have participated in Memorial Day on the island of Tinian, and we are honored to share this time with the people who live here.”
The ceremony began with an opening prayer, the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and posting of the colors by the Tinian High School Army JROTC.
Four FA -18Ds from Marine All- Weather Attack Squadron 121, screamed overhead in a “Missing Man Formation.” Each of the four jets formed one corner of a diamond. As they approached the ceremony location, one jet veered sharply away, leaving the three remaining jets to continue the mission as an incomplete unit.
Following the hair-raising flyover, a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps,” an American flag folding and the laying of a wreath on the 2nd Marine Division monument honored all servicemembers who have fallen in the name of freedom.
“We are proud to have the Marines here,” said Lucia Anar, Tinian Memorial Day attendant. “We feel as if this is where the Marines belong. This island was truly liberated by the Marines and the people here, like my own father who was forced into slave labor by the occupants during the war, were saved by them.”
Lucia’s father, who was present at the service as well, is known as a man of few words. Since the time of the war he has chosen to speak of the things he had witnessed to none but his own family.
“My father was forced to construct buildings, dig tunnels and carry ammo to the front lines for the Japanese,” said Anar.
It is through deeds such as this that many will say they volunteer to serve in the armed forces to ensure freedom is afforded to all Americans.
Following the ceremony, people of Tinian climbed on static displays of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment, participated in a pull-up challenge to taste parts of Meals Ready to Eat, interacted with an explosive ordnance disposal robot, cooled off in water sprayed from a P-19 fire truck and had their faces painted in camouflage.
Many of the Marines, experiencing their first Memorial Day on active-duty, enjoyed the kindness displayed by the locals.
The people of Tinian overwhelmed the Marines with appreciation for the sacrifices they currently make for their country, just as those who have come before them.