Remembered, Landing Day Saipan

By: Jovannalyn Mafnas, AMME Education Specialist

It has been 76 years since the Battles of Saipan, Tinian and the Philippine Sea took place in 1944. It began on the morning of June 15, when thousands of U.S. troops came ashore on the western beaches of Saipan. It was a difficult battle that took place over the course of three weeks, claiming the lives of more than 3,000 U.S. troops and wounding over 13,000. The Japanese lost an estimated 30,000 soldiers and thousands of civilians. The indigenous people were caught between opposing forces and the lives of nearly 1,000 Chamorros and Carolinians were lost. The battle finally came to an end on July 9, 1944, when the island of Saipan was declared secure.

Each year, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of the thousands of men who fought on Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippine Sea. On June 15, National Park Service staff of American Memorial Park laid wreaths at one of the landing beaches and at the Court of Honor, where 5,204 names are inscribed to honor the servicemen that lost their lives. A wreath was also laid at the Marianas Memorial, where the names of the indegeneous people who lost their lives are inscribed to honor their memory. On this day, and everyday, Pacific Historic Parks joins the community in honoring all who were affected during the Battle for the Marianas.

The Battle of Saipan took place 76 years ago, from June 15 - July 9, 1944. Each year, we remember and honor the bravery and sacrifices of the servicemen who fought in the battle and the civilians who were caught in between.

Ranger Brooke Nevitt walks towards the Court of Honor and Marianas Memorial to lay wreaths in honor of all who lost their lives during the Battles for Saipan, Tinian and the Philippine Sea.