Family, Fellowship, and Literacy

While participating in the NEH Saipan Land and Sea Program this past week, I had the opportunity to reconnect with some of our Region 2 Lions Club familia. Although I traveled to Saipan for another program, I was able to squeeze in a D204 Summer Story Time and gather with my prima, Frances Manibusan Sablan and many of our amazing Lion familia, thanks to the coordination of DG Lion Eden.

It was a pleasure to meet with FVDG Lion Mar, DCS Lion Marilyn, Reading Action Program Co-Chair Lion Annibele, RC 2 Lion Alice, Lion Yho, and Lion Judy.  Salamat for your warmth, kindness, and fellowship. Sharing a Story Time with the children was especially meaningful as we continue our shared commitment to family literacy. Your generosity made Saipan feel like home. Si Yu’os Ma’åse’!  ROAR! 🦁📚

Discovering the Stories of Saipan's Land and Sea

Participating in the NEH Saipan Land and Sea Program transformed the way I see Saipan. Before this experience, I knew the island primarily as Guam's sister island and for its pivotal role in World War II. I arrived expecting to learn about history, but I left with a far deeper appreciation for the island's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the resilient people whose stories continue to shape its identity.

Throughout the program, I had the privilege of learning from remarkable storytellers, historians, cultural practitioners, and community leaders, including Chailang Palacios, Agnes McPhetres, Nancy Bo Flood, Fred Camacho, Anna Yamada, Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Genevieve Cabrera, Aaron "Sully" Sullivan, Bill Flood, and Navigator Mario of 500 Sails. Their personal stories and insights brought Saipan's history to life in ways no textbook ever could.

Exploring sites such as Micro Beach, Sugar Dock, Last Command Post, Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff, the Grotto, Bird Island, Mount Tapochau, Tank Beach, the Laulau Kattan Latte Site, Japanese Jail, and many other historic and cultural landmarks revealed how deeply the island's land and sea are intertwined with its history. Every location reflected stories of resilience, sacrifice, survival, and hope.

This unforgettable journey reminded me that history is ultimately about people and the connections between culture, place, and community. As an educator, I return inspired to incorporate place-based learning and storytelling into my teaching so students can develop not only historical knowledge but also empathy, cultural understanding, and a greater appreciation for our shared Pacific heritage.

I am sincerely grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities, the program organizers led by Dr. Anne Ticknor, presenters, and everyone who generously shared their knowledge and experiences. The lessons I have learned will remain with me long after this remarkable summer experience.