Congress Moves to Recognize July 21, 2025, as 81st Anniversary of Guam Liberation Day

This resolution is a formal statement from the House of Representatives supporting the designation of July 21, 2025, as "Guam Liberation Day." While it doesn't change any laws or create new programs, its purpose is to provide official federal recognition of the 81st anniversary of the island’s liberation from Imperial Japanese forces in 1944. The text also encourages the President to issue a national proclamation asking all U.S. citizens to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies.

The History Behind the Date

To understand the resolution, you need the history it’s built on. The text spends significant time detailing the nearly three years of brutal occupation the CHamoru people endured starting in December 1941. This wasn’t just a military occupation; it meant forced labor, severe food shortages, and immense suffering, with over a thousand civilians confirmed dead in concentration camps alone. The resolution specifically calls out the forced march in July 1944, where nearly the entire civilian population—infants to the elderly—was forced to walk for days to the Manenggon concentration camp with almost nothing, an event that led to many deaths and family separations.

Honoring the Sacrifice

This resolution also serves to honor the American servicemembers who fought to free the island. The text notes that the liberation campaign began on July 21, 1944, when over 55,000 troops landed at Asan Bay. That fight was costly: over 2,000 U.S. servicemembers died during the 100-day campaign. The liberation was a critical strategic victory for the U.S. in the Pacific, providing a crucial base that helped lead to the eventual end of the war just 13 months later. By formally recognizing this date, Congress is acknowledging both the resilience of the CHamoru people and the sacrifice of the American forces.

Why This Matters in the Real World

Since this is a commemorative resolution, it won't impact your taxes, your commute, or your paycheck. However, it matters for national awareness and recognition. For the people of Guam, this resolution reinforces the federal government’s acknowledgment of their history and their enduring loyalty to the United States. It’s about ensuring that a key chapter of World War II history—one marked by immense civilian suffering and military sacrifice—isn't forgotten. Essentially, it’s Congress saying, “We see you, we remember, and we honor this date.”