Thousands head to Hagatna for parade

Guam - The big event today was the annual Liberation Day Parade, with this year commemorating the 67th anniversary of American troops ending the Japanese occupation locally. And each year, tens of thousands of your fellow Guamanians make their way to the island's capitol village to join together as a community and celebrate the privilege of freedom.

"I think the theme for Liberation Day this year, 'Our Man'amko, Our Legacy' is extremely important," noted Tony Babauta, assistant secretary for insular affairs for the Department of the Interior. The Agat native told KUAM News, "And the selection of the grand marshals essentially representing every village around the island - those people who lived during the occupation and survived it. It's a good call for all of us to remember exactly what their sacrifice was as well as the sacrifice of the men and women of the armed forces was who helped liberate Guam from occupation."

And congressional delegate Madeleine Bordallo, who has never missed Liberation Day, added, "It's amazing to me that we're now 67 years and we're still out here - thousands and thousands of people and a huge parade. I just wish I could bring every member of Congress here to see what loyal Americans we have on Guam."

And on that note, the second big island tradition on July 21 is the Liberation Night fireworks show (which this year features laser lights), starting at 9 this evening. The show lasts about 15 minutes and the best place to see the light show is at the carnival grounds, so get there early.

IMAGES FROM TODAY'S LIBERATION DAY PARADE

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Thousands head to Hagatna for parade

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