For the last fifteen years, the people of Santa Rita-Sumai have honored their roots through a gathering that’s more than just a tradition, it’s a homecoming.

The 13th annual ‘Back to Sumay’ event reconnects generations of families and brings them back to the village they once called home

Since 2010, the Sånta Rita-Sumai Mayor’s Office and U.S. Naval Base Guam have worked together to welcome former residents and their descendants back to the historic site.

After a morning mass, Mayor Dale Alvarez set the tone for the day.

“This event allows us all to remember where we came from, who we are, and that we shall never forget,” said Alvarez. “To our former residents of Sumay, we honor and celebrate you today. Please continue to share your memories with everyone.” 

Members of Guampedia were also on hand, displaying the village’s history for guests, offering a chance to learn more about the families who once lived here, what life was like, and how the landscape has drastically changed since. 

Service member volunteers also helped put the event together with many drawn to the deep history of Sumay.

“I thought to myself, this is something that I would be interested in because learning the history, the deep rooted history, on Guam would be very interesting,” said Amber Ellis, Chief Operations Specialist at Joint Region Marianas. 

“So I really love giving back to the community and I wanted to get my team more involved with community work because I love going to other stations and learning about the historical traditions of the areas,” said Lt. Christine Quiroga, Aircraft Support Detachment on Guam. 

“It hits me in a deep place. That’s why I wanted to bring my team out here today to give back to the community because we are on sacred land and it is important to show respect,” said Quiroga. 

Once known as the "Pearl of the Island," Sumay flourished from a small fishing village to a thriving commercial hub by the 1930s. But its story changed forever during World War II.

“I was born here in Sumay, right across the cemetery. That was my home. Then, when the Japanese came, they chased us out of our home,” said former Sumay resident, Joseph Guzman. “I loved it. Even when I had to walk from home to school I loved it because the people were so dear that I had no fear.”

“Then, in 1944, when the United States came back, again we were prohibited from returning to our home. Then they sent us up to Santa Rita,” added Guzman. 

For Joseph Guzman and other survivors, coming back to Sumay is both painful and powerful but is made easier seeing younger generations show up in solidarity.

“But I’m glad that our descendants are still carrying our legacy,” said Guzman. “Even though they lost their grandparents, parents, or great grandparents, they still have the urge to come down and stand for them.” 

The Back to Sumay event may honor the past, but its heart beats strong into the future.