Posted on: Monday, June 14, 2004

Marianas mark 60 years since World War II battles

Associated Press

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands — Six days of ceremonies are under way in the islands marking the 60th anniversary of key World War II battles that gave U.S. forces strategic air bases in the Pacific.

The battles for Saipan and Tinian began 60 years ago this week and were among the bloodiest battles of the war in the Pacific campaign.

Events scheduled included the dedication of the Marianas Memorial for Chamorros and Carolinians killed in the war. Ceremonies run through Friday and are set to include a time capsule dedication at the Marianas Memorial, a parade honoring veterans of the Pacific battles and a ceremony for veterans on Tinian.

Victories by U.S. forces at Saipan and Tinian led to the establishment of strategic air bases that were used to launch B-29 bombing raids on Japan, just 1,250 miles to the north. But the battles were among the deadliest of the war, accounting for the deaths of about 3,000 American, 30,000 Japanese and 900 local lives.