American Memorial Park
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

At 0840 on June 15, 1944, initial waves of the 2nd and 4th U.S. Marine Divisions stormed onto a narrow beachhead on Saipan. The enemy guns were ranged-in on the beaches and shells rained down with deadly effect. Marine units, supported by Naval and Army Air Corps bombardment, and joined by the U.S. Army's 27th Infantry Division, waged savage warfare. For most of the soldiers, seamen, and airmen it was yet another invasion. For many it would be their last. For the world it was the beginning of the end of the Pacific War.

The Marianas Campaign of World War II was the most decisive battle of the Pacific theater. With Saipan secured on July 9th, U.S. Forces were able to cut off vital Japanese supply and communication lines, and American B-29 bombers moved within range of the Japanese homeland. The end of the war with Japan followed 14 months later.

American Memorial Park honors the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. At the Park's Court of Honor and Flag Circle, the American flag proudly flies, flanked by the flags of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force. Surrounding the flags is a memorial containing over 5000 names of those who made the final sacrifice for freedom.

THE AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK
Situated on 133 acres (54 hectares) of land along the western side of Saipan, the Park commemorates those who fought in the Marianas campaign of World War II. The Park's concept of a "living memorial" offers activities enjoyed over half a century ago by American service men and women. Visitors to the Park can enjoy similar activities today, including water sports, tennis, softball, jogging and bicycling. Bordering the Park is Micro Beach, one of Saipan's finest white sand beaches, beckoning windsurfers, snorkelers, sunbathers and picnickers. A photographer's fancy, Micro Beach provides a breathtaking view of Managaha Island and dramatic evening sunsets. The park has a 1.5-mile walking path along its scenic and historic length. For the tennis enthusiast, the Park offers four tennis courts with night lighting for evening sets. The Park's modern 1,200-seat Amphitheater is a popular stage for a wide variety of local events such as the annual Liberation Day Celebration, arts and craft festivals, concerts, and graduations. The local government operates a public marina which is integrated within American Memorial Park.

One of the best kept secrets in American Memorial Park is a 30-acre wetland and mangrove forest. Consisting of mudflats, marshes, and mangroves, this remnant habitat is now quite scarce in the Northern Marianas. The wetland is an excellent environment for native bird species, including the endangered Nightingale Reed-Warbler.

American Memorial Park features a Court of Honor and Flag Circle, where the names of more than 5,000 American soldiers, seamen, and airmen who died in "Operation Forager" (the World War II battles for Saipan and Tinian islands) and in the Battle Of The Philippine Sea are inscribed. The Court of Honor and Flag Circle was dedicated in 1994, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Operation Forager. Over 100 veterans of the Marianas and Iwo Jima campaigns of World War II returned for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration ceremonies to pay tribute to their fallen comrades.

A carillon belltower in the park tolls every half-hour. At certain times of the day, bells chime the American and the Marianas Anthems, a selection of patriotic tunes, hymns, and songs of hope and cheer. The carillon plays Taps each evening to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom.

American Memorial Park is managed by the National Park Service, in partnership with the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).