Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr. calls on Guam to reflect, honor, and unite in solemn remembrance as the island commemorates War Survivor Remembrance Day on June 28.
This observance pays tribute to the courage, suffering, and strength of the CHamoru people who endured the atrocities of the Japanese occupation during World War II, he said.
“Our survivors are the living embodiment of strength and survival. Their courage during the darkest chapter of our history has shaped the spirit of our people and the identity of our island,” the speaker said in a statement on Tuesday. “We owe them not only our remembrance but our enduring gratitude.鈥
From 1941 to 1944, Guam lived under brutal occupation, endured forced labor, starvation, and unspeakable violence. Thousands of CHamorus suffered through this era with dignity and with faith.
Blas said War Survivor Remembrance Day is more than a commemoration. It is a call to action.
It is a reminder that history must be remembered, survivors must be honored, and their stories must be passed onto future generations, he said.
Blas said the Guam Legislature remains committed to supporting efforts that preserve the legacy of the island’s man氓mko鈥. Through legislation, education, and historical preservation, the Legislature stands united in ensuring that the testimonies of war survivors remain a vital part of Guam鈥檚 identity and national conscience, he said.
“As the number of living survivors continues to decline, it becomes our generational duty to be the keepers of their stories,鈥 the speaker added. 鈥淟et us ensure that their memory does not fade, and that their resilience continues to inspire every corner of our island and our nation.鈥
The 38th Guam Legislature, along with the Guam War Survivor Memorial Foundation and the Manenggon Memorial Foundation, will commemorate the remembrance with a Mass at the Basilica in Hag氓t帽a at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28.
It will be followed immediately by the speaker鈥檚 presentation of Resolution 52-38, the presentation of the governor鈥檚 proclamation, and a light breakfast across the street at the Guam Congress Building鈥檚 Public Hearing Room.