Since she was seven, Malesso resident Jacqueline Hale has made the trek with her grandmother to the Tinta Cave, the same path her grandfather, Ramon Garrido, once walked during the Japanese occupation of Guam. 

He was among those considered to be the most influential in the southern village, who were made to march there.

“We still remember–we never forget. I promised my grandma that I would go as long as I could, health-wise,” said Hale. 

It’s a promise Hale keeps to this day, joining many island residents in remembering and honoring the lives lost at the massacre site.

On this solemn morning, she reflects on the history. 

About 30 people, told they would be part of a work crew, were marched to a cave in the tinta area to rest for the night. Instead, Japanese soldiers threw hand grenades inside, killing many CHamorus before stabbing those who were still alive. 

“They called a lot of the CHamorus, and they thought they were going to go to work, and my grandma and my family didn’t know they were going to take them and put them in a cave to kill them. It was heartbreaking. They didn’t properly say goodbye—I’m sure my grandma was so hurt,” added Hale. 

And while 14 people survived the tragedy at Tinta, in the Faha area, where some of the strongest men were forced to March, no one made it out alive.

Every year, Hale also takes this path to pay her respects.

Yet amid remembering this heavy past, she holds close the resilience of the CHamoru people. 

Her uncle, Jose “Tonko” Reyes, was among the brave men who led a rebellion, storming the Japanese headquarters at Atate, after learning of the atrocities days later.

“He was the one who saved the villagers from being killed. He was one of those seven heroes. He was the leader of that pack that warned the village of Merizo–I guess to go to the mountains or hide or somewhere because the Japanese were ready to kill all of them,” added Hale. 

It is through remembering these stories that Hale hopes such atrocities never happen again. She carries a message of peace for the island, and the world. 

“I appreciate my grandfather for dying for us–for sacrificing–he didn’t even know himself, he was going to be killed. But, I just want everyone not to forget, not to forget what they went through–and have peace with one another, and let it begin with me,” she said.