[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15434] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________