23 May American Memorial Park, Saipan

Somewhere in the Pacific, within a chain of 14 islands called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on a tiny island called Saipan is where you can find the American Memorial Park (affiliated). The American Memorial Park is a living memorial to honor the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during WWII, the Marianas Campaign. This park serves as a living legacy and honors the sacrifices that were made at three district locations within the park: the Court of Honor and Flag Circle, the Marianas Memorial, and the Saipan American Memorial.

Following the Pearl Harbor bombing 1941, the US declared war against Japan and joined WWII in 1944. Upon the US servicemen arriving on June 15, 1944, the service men were utterly surprised at the amount of civilians that were residing on Saipan. The civilians were Chamorros, Carolinians, and Koreans. The resident families had to leave their homes to find shelter in farms or caves to protect themselves for what was to come. It wasn’t until July 4th 1946 that the U.S. servicemen were successfully able to take Saipan back from the control of the Japanese.

We have Rangers who have deep connections to American Memorial Park. Our Rangers are relatives to some of those who had lost their lives on Saipan during WWII. Their family members name’s are engraved on the plagues in the Court of Honor and Flag Circle and on the Marianas Memorial.