Madeleine Bordallo: “World War II marked a great pivot point for our Nation and the world. The Allies' great victory against the forces of…”

“World War II marked a great pivot point for our Nation and the world. The Allies' great victory against the forces of oppression endures today as a testament to the determination and will of freedom's progress over oppression. The end of the war in the Pacific was a triumph for liberty in the world, and though many lives were lost, the memories of their valiant sacrifice will never be forgotten. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific, we must also remember the sacrifices and hardships faced by the only Americans to be occupied during the war, the Chamorro people of Guam. For the island of Guam, the war in the Pacific was a dark time indeed. Thirty-two months of oppressive occupation caused hardship and suffering, necessitating sacrifice and perseverance by the Chamorro people. Today we honor those whose lives were lost during this period. Though the scars of the occupation remain today, the liberation of the island is remembered as a seminal moment in the history of the Chamorro people. The brave men of the 3rd Marine Division, the 77th Army Infantry Division, and the 6th Marine Provisional Brigade on July 21, 1944, fought tirelessly to liberate the Chamorro people and end the occupation. The people of Guam would like to acknowledge the enduring memory of these men who risked their lives on our behalf. Those who perished in this noble effort are today memorialized in solemn remembrance and will be for generations to come.”