Guam Liberation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Guam

Guam Liberation Day is annually observed on July 21. It is a day to commemorate the U.S. soldiers’ liberation of the island from the Japanese. If July 21 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be a public holiday, and if it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday. It is one of Guam’s largest celebrations because the invasion of Guam by the Japanese during World War II caused years of suffering for the local population. Several lives were lost during this time period. Guam Liberation Day commemorates those who fought and perished for the island’s independence. Gaum Liberation Day is now observed with religious and memorial ceremonies, a funfair, a parade and a contest for the Liberation queen.

The background of Guam Liberation Day

Guam is the southernmost and largest of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It became a U.S. territory in December 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War. The United States sold the remaining Mariana Islands to Germany.

In 1941, during World War II, the Japanese attacked Guam with extreme violence. This lasted until July 21, 1944, when the United States military liberated the area. It is the most important celebration on Guam. It features a Queen contest, a funfair, a fireworks display and a mile-long parade along Marine Corps Drive in Hagta from Adelup to Paseo de Susana. Additionally prevalent are solemn memorials and visits to massacre locations. The Guam Island Fair is organised by the Guam Island Fair Committee.

The Guam Island Fair provides an opportunity to display a variety of talents, to compete, and to socialise. Thousands of people from the entire island of Guam participate in the parade by building floats or parading with the U.S. military. To demonstrate their affection for Guam, various ethnic groups, including the Japanese, have participated in the parade. The solemn commemorations at the massacre sites in Merizo, Hgat, Yona, and Yigo, as well as the Asan Overlook, are an integral element of the celebration.

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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT GUAM

Guam is closer to countries in East Asia than it is to the United States.

40% of Guam’s residents are Chamorros (natives), 24% are Filipino, 18% identify with multiple ethnicities, 10% are of other Micronesian descent, and 7% are white.

Guam is an American territory, so its natives have American citizenship.

Guam is home to the Andersen Air Force Base and the U.S. Naval Base Guam, which house approximately 7,000 U.S. personnel.

On June 5, 2015, Guam became the first U.S. territory to recognise same-sex marriage.

GUAM LIBERATION DAY DATES