Flame Tree Arts Festival

Saipan has an annual Flame Tree Arts Festival. This year it was held April 23rd-26th. We attended on Saturday the 25th.

Above is a Flame Tree. I have seen pictures of the Flame Trees, they are usually much fuller and filled with red blossoms, this year most of the Flame Trees were naked trees. I am not sure if it is because there has been less rain, or exactly why but most of the Flame Trees have not bloomed as much. I will post pictures when their blossoms really start to come out. I was told that the Flame Trees are not native to the CNMI. They were brought here and planted on the islands.

This was the 34th annual festival. I couldn't find any history about the festival. We attended early in the day and it was not very busy as you can see in this picture.

*Just a side note, this is a picture of a tank from WWII, that never made it on shore. You can also see a large ship in the background as well. There are usually 4-5 large ships on this side of Saipan. It is anchored just outside the reef.

Mt. Laso

Last Saturday, Chris and I went exploring.

At the top of Mt. Laso, we found the remains of another Japanese Shrine.

The shrine is shown on the map but has no markers or signs. So, I can't give any information about it.

This is near what appears to be the entrance.

The view from this beautiful vantage point.

The picture really doesn't do it Justice.

Here is a map of Tinian. I have the pen pointing to where we were.

Here you see what appears to be a pile of rocks next to that tree, we believe that is where the B29 Homing Tower may have been. It is definitely a great place to see the whole island, and it would be easy to spot planes from here.

Peace Memorials

Korean Peace Memorial, Saipan at the base of Suicide Cliff

"For Our Friends Fallen and Vanished Here-

I ask you, Saipan, a lonely island in the vast ocean, the Pacific. Do you ever remember those who Breathed their last breaths so tragically here, those who, longing for their dear ones living somewhere in the mountainous Korean Peninsula, died so miserably here long, long ago. The war was fierce and terrible and living was hard and unbearable. We the living erect here a small stone monument to comfort your still bleeding hearts. Do come and stay with us here to share our love that is eternal. "

March 1, 2006

"In memory of the fallen souls of tragic history.

We pledge to defend our people

From the same tragedy

Through our unconquerable air power.

May your noble spirits rest in peace."

April 24, 2013

"The Monument Memorializing Korean Patriots

Like Petals falling in the rain of bullets

Like woods that burned to death

Here young people died pathetically in great number

To their lasting regret

Here, from Korea, the touch of Asia, The Land of Morning Calm,

How many people, once deprived of their father-land,

Were drawn never to return!

The souls who fell asleep with their bitter grief!

You left behind agony piercing our hearts.

Passers-by!

I ask you: how can we calm their everlasting homesickness,

How can we arrange for them to meet their parents again,

How can we replace their lives!

Realizing the emptiness and vanity of war,

Breaking down the thick and high barriers of hatred,

And making the universe as one sweet home,

Is the only way for all people to live their lives happily.

Never forgetting the past for tomorrow's sake,

And praying for peace in our life,

Let's pray for the souls of the dead."

Japanese Peace memorial-Saipan at the base of Suicide Cliff

" Memorial Monument of the War Dead

In the Mid Pacific

In Memory of all those who sacrificed their

Lives in the Islands of the seas of the mid

Pacific During World War II and in dedication

To World Peace"

March 25, 1974

Memorial Planting/Many trees had signs similar to this one from students.

Okinawa Peace Memorial

(Not sure why the flags weren't up)

Last Command Post-Saipan

On Monday, Chris and I had a few minutes to visit the "Last Command Post".

This command post is located at the bottom of Suicide Cliff (Saipan).

Here you can see Chris at the top of the stairs, Behind that giant rock is the one room command post.

This is the side of the command post.

Inside the command post.

The back staircase.

A bunker along the trail.

Check out the end of the barrel.

A torpedo.

A tank.

Here at this site there are 3 Peace Memorials, Okinawa, Korean, and Japanese. I will post more pictures of those in a day or two.