During the solemn event, memorial tributes were presented to his wife, Wella Sablan Palacios, and their family. With esteemed local, federal, and Department of Defense officials attending.
Among them are US representatives Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and Int'l Affairs Angel A. Demapan, and Joint Task Force-Micronesia Commander US Navy Rear Admiral Josh Lasky.
Newly sworn-in Governor David Apatang spoke of his partnership with Palacios, noting that despite the demands of governing, they never wavered in their commitment to the Commonwealth.
"He laboriously tried to find ways to move our Commonwealth forward,” Apatang said, “He never relented. He never stops showing up. He never stops leading.”
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero also paid tribute, praising Palacios as a great leader who advocated and fought for the challenges facing the Mariana Islands.
"I have witnessed first hand his commitment and his passion, and his love for his culture, for his people, for his family," Leon Guerrero said. "I have witnessed his compassion, his clarity, and his strength in communicating to Congress, in communicating with the white House, in communicating with his federal partners."
Palacios has served as governor since January 2023, alongside then Lt. Governor David Apatang.
He previously served as the lieutenant governor under Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres from January 2019 to January 2023.
As lieutenant governor, he oversaw the Office of Planning and Development, the Office of Grants Management, and the CNMI’s permitting agencies.
His lengthy public service career included positions as Senate president, Senate vice president and four terms in the House of Representatives, including two years as speaker.
He served as secretary of Lands and Natural Resources from February 2012 to January 2015.
Palacios was born on Saipan on Aug. 22, 1955, and attended Mount Carmel School. He later attended Portland State University in Oregon and earned his bachelor of science degree in Business Administration/Management.
Following the state funeral, a public viewing and a Mass of Christian Burial was also held at Mount Carmel Cathedral. The late governor was interred at Marpi Public Cemetery.
