(Photo courtesy of Mayor Council of Guam)
Guam Liberation Day, held annually July 21, is the island’s most important holiday aside from Discovery Day (the first Monday in March). The holiday commemorates the U.S. military liberating the island from Japanese occupation on July 21, 1944.
With this year’s theme of “Todu i tiempo i pas para hita,” or “Peace for us always,” the 80th liberation celebration focuses on cultural or Guam-centric events with mass, memorials, a virtual experience program, block parties, parade and fireworks displays. There is no carnival this year.
“Todu i tiempo i pas para hita serves not only as a theme but as a fervent prayer—a prayer for enduring peace, boundless prosperity, and unbreakable unity for all who call Guam home,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “It encapsulates the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of every person who calls Guam home, echoing across generations as a testament to our shared heritage and collective destiny.”
(Photo courtesy of 123RF)
(Photo courtesy of Mayor Council of Guam)
“As we approach this momentous occasion, we are reminded of the indomitable courage and sacrifice of our service men and women, who stood as beacons of hope in our darkest hours,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “Their valor and unwavering dedication to our freedom continue to inspire us, guiding our steps as we journey forward.
“From solemn ceremonies to vibrant cultural celebrations, we will stand together as one community, honoring our veterans, cherishing our culture, and embracing our shared journey towards a brighter tomorrow,” Tenorio added.
A Liberation Mass in CHamoru at the Cathedral Basilica in Agana on July 19 kicks off the three-day celebration, which will be followed by a unified memorial. A static display at the Plaza de Espana featuring 3,050 luminaries will follow.
One of the highlights of this year’s is the “WWII Virtual Experience” program at Guam Museum in Agana. The virtual reality program showcases five pivotal events in Guam’s World War II history - the Japanese surprise air attack of Guam in December 1941; the invasion of Guam on Dec. 8, 1941, at the Plaza de Espana; the occupation experience as seen through the eyes of the people; the Chamorro resistance at Atate in July 1944; and the battle for Guam between thve Americans and Japanese military forces.
(Photo courtesy of Mayor Council of Guam)
(Photo courtesy of Mayor Council of Guam)
(Photo courtesy of Mayor Council of Guam)
The Guam Visitors Bureau will host the Liberation Block Party at Chamorro Village Huts & Paseo on July 20-21, where you can enjoy food, games and entertainment.
The Liberation Day Parade on July 21 along Marine Corp Drive will highlight the festival and will be broadcasted live by Channel 12 TV. The parade starts at 8 a.m. at Adelup Governor’s Complex, and is expected to last about five hours.
A 15-minute fireworks display will wrap up the three-day festivities. As the fireworks are scheduled to start launching at Fort Apugan, the Agana treatment plant and the Statue of Liberty at the Paseo at 7:21 p.m., be sure to look up at the sky and make a wish for “peace for us always.”
Check updates for the Liberation Day events at https://mcog.guam.gov/
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
- LIBERATION MASS
July 19 at 4 p.m. at Agaña Cathedral-Basilica, Agana (in the CHamoru language)
- UNIFIED MEMORIAL
July 19 at 6 p.m. at Plaza de España, Agana
- STATIC DISPLAY MEMORIAL
July 19, 20, 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Plaza de España, Agana
Notes: This event is co-hosted by the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, GVB, and the Guam Legislature. There will be 3,050 luminaries.
- WWII VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
July 17-21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Guam Museum, Agana
Seating is limited to 40 individuals per showing
More info and reservation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guam-world-war-ii-virtual-reality-experience-by-pacific-historic-parks-tickets-900834168247
- LIBERATION BLOCK PARTY
July 20-21, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Chamorro Village Huts & Paseo, Agana
Passport Village Contest, food and game vendors, and entertainment.
- 80TH ANNUAL LIBERATION DAY PARADE along Marine Corps Drive
July 21, 8 a.m.
Parade starts at 8 a.m. at Adelup Governor’s Complex. The parade will be broadcast on PBS Guam KGTF TV Channel 12 and livestreamed on youtube.com/@pbsguam.
• Liberation 5k & Liberation Mile
July 21
- 5k run at 6 a.m.
- 1-mile run at 7:21 a.m. (Chamorro Village)
Notes: Register with the Guam Running Club online. Participants will receive a t-shirt for the 5K race and a towel for the 1-mile run. Registration is $10 for the 5K and $5 for the 1-mile run.
• Parade Float Registration
Interested organizations can email register.liberation.parade@gmail.com, and a full packet will be sent to them. Those without email may call 671-646-4361 to make arrangements to pick up a hard copy. The packet will include: Registration Form, Parade Rules & Regulations, Participation Fees, Waiver & Affirmations, Checklists of deadlines and calendar of events, and Judging Criteria.
• Parade Goers
DPR will issue camping permits along Marine Corps Drive from KFC to Bank of Hawaii and GWA Waste Treatment Plant to the last parking lot beachside (southbound).
When: Parade route registration starts on Friday, July 12, at 8 a.m. Parade route registration will take place at the Paseo Stadium Building, Hagåtña starting at 8 a.m.
Note:
(1) Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is $50 per 20x20 space and $25 per 10x10 space. Fees are non-refundable and payable upon registration. Only one permit will be issued per adult applicant after showing proof of identity with a valid picture ID. A cleaning deposit fee of $75 shall be paid in cash or on an island check payable to the Treasurer of Guam. Bring exact change. The deposit will be refunded provided all trash is removed, and no damages are assessed to the park area.
(2) Campers will be allowed to set up starting July 20, at 8 a.m.
(3) For safety purposes, please be advised the Liberation 5k and Liberation Mile will occur in the early morning of July 21.
(4) Campers must break down tents no later than July 21, at 6 p.m. Campers will be allowed to remain for the fireworks at 7:21 p.m. and clear out by 8 p.m.
• Fireworks
July 21, 7:21 p.m. (15 Minute Show) at Ft. Apugan, Agana Treatment Plant, and Statue of Liberty Park
- Hasso (Memorial) Events
• Hasso Manenggon Memorial March and Ceremony
July 7 at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
• Hasso Talofofo Site Dedication and Ceremony
July 10 at 10 a.m.
• Hasso Barrigada/Kalaguak/Tiyan Wreath Laying Ceremony
July 12 at 10 a.m.
• Hasso Inalahan Ceremony
July 17 at 9 a.m.
• Hasso Hagat Wreath Laying Ceremony
July 17 at 9 a.m.
• War Survivors Mass
July 19, at 5 p.m.
(Hasso means “to remember,” “to think,” “to imagine” or “to realize” in Chamorro.)
