[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATION OF THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 62nd 
anniversary of the liberation of Guam. On July 21, 1944, Marines of the 
3rd Marine Division and soldiers of the 77th Army Infantry stormed the 
shores of Asan and Agat to liberate the Chamorros, the indigenous 
people of Guam, from enemy occupation. The Imperial Japanese attacked, 
invaded, and then controlled Guam, at the outset of the War in the 
Pacific. Guam was the only American territory with a civilian 
population that was occupied by the enemy during World War II--an 
experience that had not occurred since the War of 1812.
  The enemy occupation was a difficult time for the Chamorros. The 
Chamorro people, loyal Americans, endured atrocities including 
executions, beatings, forced labor, forced march and internment. They 
lost their freedom but remained loyal to the United States and resolute 
in the face of a brutal occupying force. The Chamorros proved their 
resilience and their patriotism during this trying time.
  Today, we recall those who sacrificed. Both the liberated and the 
liberator are remembered. Liberation Day, which will be commemorated 
tomorrow on Guam, is a time for us to celebrate our freedoms and to 
honor those who fought and endured for our future.
  The lives of many service members were lost in the battle to liberate 
Guam. Although the Chamorro people enjoy the freedoms they have today 
because of this sacrifice, the scars of their past remain. The story of 
the occupation and liberation of Guam is a story of courage, sacrifice, 
and resilience. It is a story worthy of commemoration and worthy of 
recognition. Liberation Day is our way of sharing and preserving this 
story.
  The theme of Liberation Day this year is ``Sustaining our Freedom, 
Honoring our Heroes.'' Last week, we honored our heroes here at our 
Nation's capital with a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of 
the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. I was privileged to lay a 
wreath with General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff. This wreath laying served as the national commemoration and paid 
tribute to the Chamorros who suffered the occupation and the Marines, 
Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners, and Airmen who 
lost their lives in the battle to liberate Guam.

  This month the people of Guam have commemorated this sacrifice with 
ceremonies on our island. The people of Guam have gathered at Fena, 
Tinta, Faha, and Manenggon, historical sites where atrocities occurred. 
These sites and the stories of the horrors that occurred there remind 
us of the price of freedom. Tomorrow, the people of Guam will witness 
the annual Liberation Day parade. The parade is the culmination of the 
annual commemoration activities. Liberation Day is the most widely 
celebrated public holiday on Guam. The Liberation is a defining moment 
in our island's history. It is our day to celebrate our freedom. This 
year we renew our commitment to the cause of freedom, we honor our 
manamko, and we salute our fallen veterans. Si Yu'os un benidisi 
Amerika yan Si Yu'os un benidisi Guahan.

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