[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 96 (Thursday, July 21, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF GUAM

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to observe 
the 50th anniversary of a most important event--the liberation of the 
island of Guam from Japanese rule during World War II.
  As the only American community occupied by the enemy during World War 
II, the people of Guam endured great hardships during the 2\1/2\ years 
that imperial Japanese forces controlled the island. Within days of the 
bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces raided the tiny island, 
overwhelming its small defense forces and forcing Guam's Governor to 
give up his position. Its liberation, 50 years ago today, was the 
result of fierce battles between American forces, who recognized Guam's 
strategic location, and the Japanese.
  Guam, held by the United States since 1898, felt its American 
influence. During the 2\1/2\ years the small island was occupied, the 
native Chamorros, a courageous and resilient people, maintained faith 
in their American allies. This faith helped them through what must have 
been a long series of frightening and humiliating experiences at the 
hands of their captors. They endured terrible conditions, poor food, 
and were made to perform back breaking work on enemy airfields and 
planes, unwillingly helping the Japanese in their efforts to retain 
control of Guam.
  While neighboring Saipanese suffered bloody battles and United States 
forces watched in horror as terrified Japanese civilians hurled 
themselves over ``Banzai Cliff,'' the Guamanians never lost hope. 
Shortly after the invasion of Saipan, American forces landed on Guam. A 
fierce battle ensued, but in the end, Guam was restored to the United 
States and the Governor reestablished in his post.
  Fifty years later, the spirit of Guam, and the Guamanian people, is 
more alive and vital than ever. Emotional reunions will take place 
today between the Guamanians and some of the 55,000 marines who 
liberated Guam 50 years ago. There are many who believe that this 
battle was the turning point of World War II in the Pacific.
  Today, I wish to honor the memory of those who died during the 
liberation of Guam. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the allied 
pursuit of freedom for all. I also wish to express my deep gratitude as 
a citizen of this country to those men who, in the face of intense fire 
from enemy forces, landed on the beaches of Guam.
  It is with great pride that I join my colleagues in the Senate in 
honoring the distinguished senior Senator from the State of Alabama, 
Howell Heflin, who, on that day 50 years ago as a marine first 
lieutenant, led the first wave of marines on the island. In this battle 
he shed much blood, having been wounded two times. A true hero, Senator 
Heflin received a Purple Heart for his courageous actions during the 
liberation of Guam.
  I am pleased to join my Senate colleagues in saluting a distinguished 
friend, Senator Howell Heflin.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Reid). The Senator is yielded time under 
the previous order.
  The Senator from Minnesota.

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