Celebrating Guam Liberation Day
Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Guam's Liberation Day. Madam Speaker, 79 years ago, on July 21, 1944, following 2\1/2\ years of occupation, the United States servicemembers landed on the southwest part of Guam to liberate over…
Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Guam's Liberation Day.
Madam Speaker, 79 years ago, on July 21, 1944, following 2\1/2\ years of occupation, the United States servicemembers landed on the southwest part of Guam to liberate over 20,000 CHamorus and Americans from the Imperial Japanese military.
On December 8, 1941, the feast of Santa Marian Kamalen, Guam's patron saint, the sound of bombs dropping and planes flying overhead drowned out our otherwise quiet and isolated island. This day was the start of the occupation in Guam.
This period in Guam's history was a treacherous one, but the people of the island persevered and displayed a great sense of resiliency, willpower, patriotism, and hope. Guamanians never fail to display these traits today and have been tested time and time again. From war to natural disasters, most recently Super Typhoon Mawar, which ravaged our community in May, Guamanians have always held these traits close to their hearts.
These traits are unchangeable and have forged our island's culture of peace, ``harmony,'' or ``inafa'maolek'' to make good in the world. They guide our way of life and advance our distinct cultural identity that is recognizable around the world. This is known as the Hafa Adai spirit, and Guamanians are proud to share this with everyone they meet and wherever they go.
Liberation Day is an island-wide celebration that brings all Guamanians together in celebration of the national and local cultural identity, democracy, and freedom. On this day, we remember those who fought, endured, sacrificed, and gave their lives to protect our island home and Nation. This day allows us to remember the sacrifices of the people who came before us and thank those who currently fight on the front lines for our freedom, families, and values.
Guam has a long history with the armed services and plays a large role in contributing to military strength, providing thousands of soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, guardians, and coastguardsmen. Guam is proud to have the highest number of enlistments per capita across the country.
As home to the Joint Regional Marianas, Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Camp Blaz on Guam, our island is the tip of the spear in our fight against our enemies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Our strategic and unparalleled location, invaluable assets, and most importantly, our servicemembers contribute to the strength and the might of the world's greatest fighting force.
The past 79 years have been a momentous period for growth, change, and progress for our island. The people of our island have changed to form an even more diverse melting pot of cultures that honors our differences throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Today is a day on which we celebrate the values, people, traditions, and cultures that make Guam and America a great place to live. I am proud to stand here and speak today representing such a diverse and significant part of America.
As we commemorate the 79th anniversary of Guam's liberation, we recognize the contributions Guam has and will continue to make for our Nation.
We are proud to be where America's day begins and fly the American flag in the middle of the Pacific. Let us also celebrate and recognize this day as a day in which we recommit and redeliver on our promises to fight for freedom and democracy across the Nation, Pacific region, and the world.