One of the things that bonds Guamanian culture is our history. And those ties extend far beyond the shores of our island, reaching across the seas and spanning generations to remind our familia who live in all over the world what Liberation Day really means to all of us. And many Chamorros abroad have come home to celebrate, to remember, and to honor their ancestors.

It's a given of our island culture that tradition, values and heritage are passed down through generations and follow you no matter where you go. And this unfortunately includes the countless stories of hardship our ancestors endured during the Japanese occupation of Guam. But this makes the everlasting lessons and value to our Liberation Day that much more special.

Staying connected is a hallmark of all Pacific people, but especially for Guamanians. And the Sons and Daughters Club San Diego, a city that with its proximity to the ocean and military bases, has a sizable Chamorro population. And ensuring our cultural bond remains tight for its mainland members, the club's leadership came back to celebrate liberation with us.

Melissa Ramirez shared, "Since 2020 this is my third visit already, and every time I get emotional because I just remember the stories. My parents were divorced when I was really young, and so I left the island when I was 9, but I remember my grandmother and she would just tell us stories about the war, and it just every time I get come back I just feel a sense of like pride in this island and just the things that they have overcome through the years to get to where they are."

DeeDee Taijeron with the club said, "It's very emotional to hear my mom talk about the bullets, and she's playing in the grass in Barrigada and they're running for their lives, I just can't imagine." She stopped suddenly, overcome with tears.

But part of the natural burden of maintaining our history is never forgetting where we come from and what those who came before us have gone through. For these ladies, the numerous occasions spent talking to their elders conveyed unspeakable times.

But through struggle, character is revealed. The resilience of our people is taught and handed-down...and never forgotten. It's a reminder of who we are. We honor them by carrying on.

Ramirez said, "Chamorros can persevere through anything! We're still here, we're still here after all you did to us and what we've been through, we're still here. We're still standing. We're still proud."