Supporting the Designation of Guam Liberation Day
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
119TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 541
Supporting the designation of July 21, 2025, as ‘‘Guam Liberation Day’’.
WHEREAS Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Mariana Island Chain;
Whereas Guam was invaded by Imperial Japanese forces on December 8, 1941, hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor;
Whereas the CHamoru people of Guam endured almost 3 years of harsh occupation and atrocities by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II until it was liberated in 1944;
- Whereas the CHamoru people were forced into labor camps to carry supplies, farm, and complete other duties for the Imperial Japanese soldiers;
- Whereas family members would mysteriously go missing without any warning or explanation;
- Whereas the people of Guam continued to display their courage and loyalty to the United States by risking their lives to hide and protect surviving United States soldiers from Imperial Japanese forces;
- Whereas 1,000 civilians (nearly 10 percent of the population) were confirmed deceased from the camps alone;
Whereas tens of thousands of brave Americans from throughout the nation, from Suffolk County, New York, to Sacramento County, California, to Hawai’i, fought against tyranny and oppression thousands of miles from their homes;
Whereas these brave servicemembers engaged the enemy in an area unknown to many for the cause of freedom, making the ultimate sacrifice to liberate Guam and its people from Imperial Japanese occupation;
- Whereas nearly 1,200 young Marine and Army soldiers were killed in action on Asan Beach on the first day of fighting;
- Whereas securing Asan Bay was pivotal for the American victory over Imperial Japan in the Pacific;
- Whereas control of Asan Bay allowed American forces to establish airfields and naval facilities on Guam that proved instrumental in launching the eventual invasion of Imperial Japan;
WHEREAS the capture of Guam was completed on August 10, 1944, ending nearly 3 years of Imperial Japanese occupation;
Whereas over 2,000 United States servicemembers were killed in action in the span of 100 days;
WHEREAS Liberation Day reinforces Guam’s resilience, loyalty to the United States, and the cultural identity of the island;
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
- (1) supports the designation of ‘‘Guam Liberation Day’’ to honor the significance of Guam’s liberation by the United States, including the landmark battle launched from Asan Bay on July 21, 1944;
- (2) encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Guam Liberation Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to salute the sacrifice and honor of those that fought for freedom in Guam.
https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hres541ih
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