Supporting the designation of March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month.

Supporting the designation of March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month.

Whereas CHamoru are the indigenous people of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands;

Whereas the first inhabitants of Guam and the Marianas arrived thousands of years ago and cultivated an advanced seafaring culture;

Whereas the CHamoru people are i Taotao Tåno’ yan i Taotao Tasi, the people of the land and sea;

Whereas inafa’ maolek is the foundation of CHamoru culture, emphasizing respetu, manginge, chenchule, and familia;

Whereas Guam and the Mariana Islands have played essential roles in trans-Pacific crossings for centuries;

Whereas the CHamoru people experienced Imperial Japanese occupation during World War II;

Whereas the CHamoru people were essential in the United States victories at the Battle of Guam, the Battle of Saipan, and the Battle of Tinian;

Whereas Guam was liberated by the United States in July 1944 following the second Battle of Guam;

Whereas more than 200,000 people living in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the mainland United States claim CHamoru ancestry;

Whereas CHamoru men and women go on to serve in the armed services at a rate higher than the national average; and

Whereas the CHamoru people are a people of resilience and perseverance: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives acknowledges the contributions and achievements of the CHamoru people and encourages the people of the United States to observe National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month.