Guamanian North Dakota residents celebrate Guam Liberation Day

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Eighty years ago, an invasion by U.S. military forces resulted in the liberation of Guam, the American territory located in the North Pacific Ocean. The Japanese had occupied the island for two and a half years, a time that is remembered by many Guamanians for the hardships the citizens of the territory endured. Saturday at Sertoma Park, Guamanian North Dakota residents came together to celebrate the holiday.

Many generations of Guamanians came together to celebrate the holiday with food and quality time.

“I’m happy. It’s like being on the island, you know? Together with family, friends, you know, liberated,” said Jimmy Cruz, an attendant of the event.

The Japanese Occupation of Guam began in 1941 and lasted until July 21, 1944, when U.S. military forces invaded the island and opened the door for the Guamanian people to be liberated. Eighty years have passed since then, but the island and its people hold on to the memory. The younger generations reflect on the way this event shaped their futures.

“It’s my freedom. If it wasn’t for Guam to be liberated, I don’t think people would know who we are and I don’t think we would even be here today,” said Deshennay Tenorio, host of the event.

While many of the people who lived through the Japanese occupation are no longer alive, their stories of hard times continue to live on through their descendants. One person at the event listened to the stories of his grandmother.

“She was there… [I] heard a lot of horror stories, what happened during the Japanese occupation, which wasn’t good,” said Cruz.

He says that war is war, and he holds no hard feelings towards the Japanese.

Organizers of the event hope to put on a parade for next year’s celebration.

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