From staff reports

Some local World War II veterans may be in for a special recognition of their services.

The government of Saipan, an island in the Pacific Ocean, wishes to honor American veterans for their liberation efforts during the worst war in human history by presenting to them a special award. Former soldiers from all over the United States will be recognized, and, at the local level, American Legion Post No. 15 is looking for those who served.

Project Coordinator retired Lt. Col. Allan Imes said members of all branches of the military who served in the Pacific should get their separation papers (also known as DD 124), which document their service, and submit a copy to the American Legion Post No. 15, P.O. Box 315, Griffin, GA 30224. Also, veterans may provide a copy through the Military Affairs Committee of the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce.

“If in doubt, send your papers in and we’ll check it out for you,” said Imes, adding that he will eventually forward all documentation received to Saipan on behalf of the local American Legion post. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1, 2007, as Post Commander Glenn Martin is planning a special ceremony on Veterans Day at Veterans Memorial Park.

“This is going to be a big deal (at the park). This is a significant thing,” Imes said. “Nobody paid much attention to what (these veterans) did.”

Although the Saipan government’s program to honor the American liberators has been in place for a few years, Imes said he just found out about it and wanted to be sure that Spalding and Pike veterans received their well-deserved though belated recognition.

Saipan is part of the Mariana Islands and a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate. Nowadays it has about 63,000 inhabitants spread over an area of about 44 square miles. Other islands of the Mariana, which all may be considered by Legion Post No. 15, include Guam, Tinian and Rota. In 1944, U.S. military personnel landed on the southwestern coast of the island and spent more than three weeks securing it from the Japanese.

For those eligible veterans who have died, their family members will be given the award instead.

“I would like to pack Veterans Memorial Park with veterans, families and local citizens to express our appreciation for what these veterans did and accomplished in the Pacific Theater during World War II,” Martin said.