September is 'We Will Never Forget Community Heroes' Month

To commemorate the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and to recognize the courage displayed by first responders, servicemen and women, and everyday heroes both on Ground Zero and in the present day, Governor David M. Apatang, joined by dozens of first responders and members of the community, designated the month of September as “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month” during a proclamation signing at American Memorial Park last Thursday.

The proclamation encourages the community to remember those lost on 9/11, to honor those who serve, and recognize the courage and sacrifice of everyday heroes in the community. It states, “Throughout the challenges, countless community heroes have stepped forward to assist their neighbors, support their family, maintain essential services, respond to emergencies, provide care and assistance, and help their community move forward. We recognize the strength and perseverance of the people of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, whose shared experiences remind us that while each island has its own unique challenges and circumstances, we remain one Commonwealth connected by our compassion, determination and our commitment to one another.”

Following the signing, Apatang encouraged the community to acknowledge and thank everyday heroes.

“Today I ask everyone to pause and recognize those we often overlook in our daily lives. The people who quietly make our community better and safer. 25 years after Sept. 11, we remember those we lost and one of the greatest ways we can honor the meaning of that day is by carrying forward its spirit of compassion and caring for one another. That is why Community Heroes Month is so meaningful to all of us. To all those who show up for others with no expectations or anything in return. Thank you. We recognize them, celebrate them and look to them as our inspiration to unselfishness and do more.”

This year marks 25 years since the fateful morning of September 11, 2001, and will be the 11th consecutive year TanHoldings and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation have hosted the Field of Heroes commemoration on Saipan and Tinian. In his remarks, TanHoldings and Tan Siu Lin Foundation CEO Jerry Tan shared his thoughts on the annual commemoration.

“It is very meaningful. This is actually one of our most important projects. And what is nice is for the 11th time we are doing it, it is really a community effort. I can assure you that our team did not do it alone...” Tan thanked every department, community partner and government official who took part in the project, while giving special thanks to TanHoldings vice president of Community Relations Catherine Attao-Toves, who started and continued the project since its inception 11 years ago.

He added, addressing the first responders in the room, “Since 2001, we have gone through our share of calamities, that I think we find ourselves saying thank you to our military personnel, first responders, law enforcement officers because really they're helping us everyday. But I think its good to sometimes pause and be reminded, really, of what all of you do and the sacrifices you make to really help us during times in need and during crisis. I think its important we keep that in mind and really say thank you and show our appreciation to everyone who's stepping up and keeping us safe.”

In a conversation with President of Project Buddy Check 670 Clement Bermudes, he shared his thoughts on 9/11.

“Its a solemn period in our history. Similar to Pearl Harbor, when we were attacked, and how our way of life changed significantly. It changed the way we go about daily duties, and more importantly it changed the families of military and first responders---especially those who lost someone that day. They're forever changed”

He shared that recognizing everyday heroes is important.

“As a former service member deployed to operations after 9/11, I encourage the community and family members to continue to support their first responders and military members because there's nothing more important than the support that they get from their families and the community. Take a moment to thank a first responder, a veteran an active service member, that goes a long way.”

The community is invited to visit the Field of Heroes at Saipan’s American Memorial Park, Court of Honor, and on Tinian at the Veteran’s Memorial Park and to take part in the upcoming We Will Never Forget ceremonies. On Saipan, the ceremony will take place September 10 at 5:30 PM at the ADA Gymnasium, and on September 11, the ceremony will take place at 9:00 AM on Tinian at the Veteran’s Memorial Park.