Liberation Day in Guam
Liberation Day in Guam is observed on July 21st most years, but if that date falls on a Sunday, then the holiday is moved to the following Monday. This holiday commemorates the start of the Battle of Guam, which began in 1944 and led to the liberation of the island during WWII.
Guam (Public holiday)Guam has been a U.S. territory since the Spanish-American War, but Japan invaded Guam just a few days after they attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Japanese held the island until the United States launched an assault to liberate it on July 21st, 1944. This battle lasted until August 10th, and it was only after the battle was won that Guam was liberated.
The History Of Liberation Day In Guam
After the Spanish-American War, Guam became a territory of the United States in December of 1898 after Spain ceded it to the U.S. The rest of the Mariana Islands were sold to Germany under the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899.
Guam remained a territory of the U.S. until World War II. After the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, they then launched an invasion of Guam a few days later. In June of 1942, the U.S. won a significant victory at the Battle of Midway, which set the stage for them to launch a campaign to liberate Guam. They launched this campaign on July 21, 1944, and it took until August 10, 1944, for the U.S. to liberate the island. Liberation Day is on the same day as the beginning of the island’s liberation campaign.
Observing Liberation Day In Guam
Guam Liberation festivities include a summer carnival, a parade that occurs on Marine Corps Drive in Hagåtña (a parade that can stretch for over a mile), and even a “Queen Contest.” Some people spend the day making floats for the parade, while others simply sit back and enjoy the festivities.
Guam (Public holiday)
