WASHINGTON, D.C. – In just a couple of days, the island will celebrate the annual Liberation Day. Each year, families celebrate and honor Guam’s liberation from the Japanese military during World War II. The island’s congressional members, administration, members of the military and veterans held an early celebration of Liberation Day in our nation’s capital.
Roughly two weeks before July 21st, Guam’s congressional Delegate Jim Moylan (R- GUAM) hosted a Liberation Day celebration at the World War II Memorial along the National Mall. The ceremony showcased dancing, singing, music and speeches. All honoring this significant day for the island.
“Laying the wreath here is a great honor,” said Congressman Moylan. “We’re remembering those that have struggled and survived and those especially who we lost.”
“It’s hard to believe such a terrible thing could happen but it really gives us a lot of inspiration to compare what we’re going through now compared to what they went through,” said Guam’s Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “We’re in such a better place.”
On December 8th, 1941, Japanese forces invaded the island. It happened around the same time Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Congressman Moylan even shared his mother’s own personal recollection of that day.
“It was December 8th, it was a special day on Guam,” said Moylan. “Folks were coming out of church my mom was there with her grandfather at that time we were celebrating the Santa Maria Kamalen, our patron saint of Guam. It’s a holy day of obligation. It’s supposed to be filled with joy, laughter and events, however, that’s the day the imperial army of Japan came and bombs were flying. People were running, screaming and yelling.”
The island was occupied for nearly three years until July 21st, 1944 when American forces took it back, liberating the people. That day is honored and celebrated across Guam.
“As a descendent of wartime survivors, it really means a lot to recognize the tremendous my dad and my grandparents and my relatives made during the war,” said Tenorio. “I think it’s very important that the leadership of Guam be present for this ceremony. It allows us to continue sharing this story in our nation’s capital but really give the dignified recognition that liberation should deserve since Guam is the only American soil that was occupied during that war during any war, reminding everybody the role that played especially in the defense of everybody else.”
Moylan said we’ve come a long way since Liberation Day and the US now works with Japan as an ally and partner. Moylan adds Liberation Day is a reminder that Guamanians truly understand the fight for freedom.
“Now we’re united, we’re working together, especially in the INDOPACOM area,” said Moylan. “80 years ago things were really bad and now we know the struggle for freedom is real.”
