[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 122 (Monday, July 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                    CELEBRATING GUAM LIBERATION DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Moylan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOYLAN. 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.

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