"The opening on May 28, 2005 of the American Memorial Park Visitor Center is a proud and significant event in the history of the Commonwealth. Together with the Marianas Memorial, which was dedicated last year, these projects are both a tribute and a closure to the wartime events that engulfed our islands over 60 years ago.
"Our Marianas Memorial honors and pays tribute to our Chamorro and Carolinian brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the crossfire of war. This new Visitor Center honors and pays tribute to those who lost their lives in service to their country. It also bears witness to the devastation of war and the suffering that brings to all in its path. It also points the way to reconstruction and reconciliation.
"It is our fervent hope that this new Visitor Center will be an instrument of peace. We hope that it will become a center for learning, a gathering place for students, visitor, and neighbors.
"We commend and congratulate everyone who has participated in this project and turned the initial dream into today's rality. The people of the Commonwealth can be very proud of this outstanding accomplishment."
Governor Juan N. Babauta
Lieutenant Governor Diego T. Benavente
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands