Remembering the Battle of Saipan

This weekend, we solemnly commemorate the 81st anniversary of the start of the Battle of Saipan, a defining and deeply painful chapter in our history. On June 15, 1944, American forces landed on Saipan’s southwestern shore, marking the beginning of a brutal conflict that forever changed the lives of the Chamorro and Refaluwasch people. We honor the immense sacrifices made by American servicemembers and the suffering endured by our indigenous communities. In remembering this battle, we also recognize the lives lost from all sides—Americans, Japanese, Koreans, Okinawans, Chamorros, and Refaluwasch alike. War brings unimaginable pain, but through the heavy price paid, we are reminded of the value of peace and our shared responsibility to protect it for generations to come.