Mr. Speaker, since the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the island of Guam, whose residents I have the privilege of representing here in Congress, has been a territory of the United States and a part of the American family. The…
Mr. Speaker, since the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the island of Guam, whose residents I have the privilege of representing here in Congress, has been a territory of the United States and a part of the American family. The Department of the Navy administered the U.S. Territory of Guam from the time the island was ceded to the United States under the terms of the Treaty of Paris until December 8, 1941, when, during World War II, Imperial Japanese military forces attacked, invaded and then occupied Guam. The attack on Guam occurred only hours following the December 7, 1941, Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, at the time also a territory of the United States; the different dates owing to the International Date Line.
The enemy occupation of Guam lasted approximately two-and-a-half years, from December 10, 1941 until July 21, 1944. The occupation was a time of tremendous hardship for the Chamorro people, the indigenous people of Guam. The people of Guam, who were U.S. nationals at the time, remained steadfastly loyal to the United States. Residents of the island, who numbered approximately 22,000, were subjected to forced labor, forced marches and deprivation at the hands of an enemy corroborating with the Axis forces. In the weeks prior to liberation, which came on July 21, 2004, the brutality of the occupying army increased with severe beatings and public executions. Groups of Chamorro men, women, and children were herded into caves on separate occasions and massacred. The entire population was forced to march to several internment camps in the southern part of the island.
On July 21, 1944, units of the 3rd Marine Division, 77th Army Infantry Division and 1st Marine Provisional Brigade, comprising a total force of roughly 55,000 service members, stormed the shores of Asan and Agat in southern Guam beginning the campaign to liberate the only American community to have been occupied by a foreign power since the War of 1812. Thirteen consecutive days of heavy naval and air bombardment preceded the landing of U.S. forces to weaken Japanese defense of the island.
Intense and fierce combat between the U.S. forces and the entrenched Japanese Army, which numbered 18,500 men, continued until August 10, 1944, when organized resistance ended and the U.S. forces seized control of the island. The Battle for Guam was marked by combat on difficult terrain against a well-prepared enemy. The Japanese defended the island from positions located in caves, tunnels, and from pillboxes situated on the beaches, cliffs, and hillsides overlooking the invasion beaches. Today, these beaches and many of these defensive positions are preserved within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, established by Congress in 1978 (Public Law 95-348). This Park is the only site in the National Park System that honors the bravery and sacrifices of all individuals, service members and civilians, who experienced World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Over 1,100 Chamorros died as a result of the occupation of Guam, and every Chamorro endured one form or another of brutality, including personal injury, forced labor, forced march or internment during the occupation. Approximately 1,800 U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen were killed in action during the Battle for Guam. There were over 8,000 U.S. casualties. The Japanese suffered over 17,500 casualties, the large majority of which ended in death.
Today, Guam remains a territory of the United States. Congress extended U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam after World War II in 1950 (Public Law 81-630). Guam's current economy is largely tied to the Japanese economy given the proximity of the two and the importance of Japanese tourism to the island. The one million Japanese tourists the people of Guam welcome each year is a testament to the peace and friendship that has emerged between the United States and Japan since the end of World War II. The people of Guam remain an important part of this international friendship.
H. Res. 737 recognizes the Liberation of Guam on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary. In doing so, the resolution calls attention to the unique experience endured by the people of Guam and the extraordinary heroism
displayed by the U.S. service members who took part in the battle to recapture Guam. The resolution further encourages the American people to commemorate the Liberation of Guam and to observe the anniversary of the battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Lastly, the resolution requests the Secretary of the Interior to establish commemorative programs honoring the liberators and the people of Guam at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. These commemorations, which precede the commemorations next year of the 60th Anniversary of the end of the War in the Pacific, give context to the extensive and difficult Pacific campaign.
I believe this Congressional recognition of the Liberation of Guam will enhance public understanding of and appreciation for the occupation experience of the people of Guam and the heroism of the liberators who took part in the battle to recapture Guam. I want to draw attention to the commendable efforts of the National Park Service, and, specifically, the efforts led by the personnel at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, that have been made to date in the development of programs to commemorate the Liberation of Guam. These efforts notably include the recent enhancement of the Park's official Web site that now provides Internet access to many historical publications and approximately 700 historical photographs. These efforts are important in the absence of a restored museum and visitor contact facility following Supertyphoon Pongsona, which damaged Park property in December 2002. I encourage the continuation and expansion of such efforts consistent with the Park's mission. I also encourage a concerted effort to seek input from residents of Guam and veterans of World War II in the development of these and future commemorative programs.
Today, the Liberation of Guam is one of the most important commemorations held annually on the island. Liberation Day on Guam is a time of remembrance and celebration. The people of Guam commemorate the sacrifices of those who endured the occupation and those who gave their lives to liberate the island, and we celebrate the triumph of our people over adversity and oppression. As we move forward from July 21, 2004 to the 61st Anniversary on July 21, 2005, it is my hope we all reflect on our freedom and remember the sacrifices of those that came before us. I know this House has long been reminded of the Guam story. My predecessors, Mr. Won Pat, Mr. Blaz, and Mr. Underwood, would often take to the floor to speak to this body about the significance of Guam's role in World War II, the greatest conflict of the last century. Through their efforts the story of Guam's occupation and liberation has found its place in the national history of World War II. I, like they, seek to protect this history, to educate our country about our experience, and to bring appropriate and due recognition for our people and our veterans.