Before the parades, before the fireworks, and before the island celebrates 81 years of freedom, Guam stands still to remember. The first step in our liberation journey begins with a solemn tribute to the ones who endured the unimaginable. War Survivor Remembrance Day marks not just a chapter in history but the soul of our survival.

In this special series we call “Fanohge”, which means “stand” in CHamoru, we begin with the day that honors the strength of our people.

June 28 is more than a date on the calendar. It is Guam War Survivors Remembrance Day — a time carved out to honor those who endured one of the darkest chapters in our island’s history and those who never made it through. Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. explained the significance of the day, sharing, "President Harry Truman presented to Congress that there was a people that had suffered the atrocities and suffered the occupation, and the horrors of a war, that no other population, not even in the United States, had experienced and to this day never has experienced."

From 1941 to 1944, the people of Guam lived under brutal occupation, endured forced labor, starvation, and unspeakable violence. Thousands of CHamorus suffered through this era with dignity and with faith. War Survivor Remembrance Day is more than a commemoration – it is a call to action. It is a reminder that history must be remembered, survivors must be honored, and their stories must be passed on to future generations.

"Today reminds us that 81 years ago, our people just wanted to be saved," the speaker continued.

And saved they were — but not without cost. At the Hagåtna Cathedral, war survivors, families, and dignitaries gathered for a memorial mass. They then walked across together to the Wall of Strength: names never forgotten — 15,891 names of courageous Chamorros printed on a a board and seared into our island’s soul.

On Sunday morning, remembrance continued in the south — at the Manenggon Memorial in Yona. More than two dozen survivors stood as living proof of Guam’s resilience. Their march echoed the footsteps of thousands forced into this valley 81 years ago - a place of suffering, now a sanctuary of honor.

And as the number of living survivors continues to decline, it becomes our generational duty to be the keepers of their stories.

Senator Chris Barnett said, "For the younger generation, we are seeing less and less war survivors, if you want to know what our man'amkos ands sainas went through during the war, please ask them and listen to their stories - what they went through the japanese occupation and the lives lost."

Because as the number of living survivors dwindles, the responsibility grows. This is not just a day of remembrance. It is a call to action.

Speaker Blas added, "Next time you watch the news about wars elsewhere, and see the devastation elsewhere, look down below your feet, what you're watching on TV, occurred here. The deaths you are watching, occurred here."

We must not forget what happened on this island — not just because it was horrific, but because it showed us who we are. A people who bent but did not break. Who suffered but still believed. "We should never forget that. We should never forget that we survived, their resilience, their faith in God their faith in community that got them through. Don't forget that," Blas stated.

And as long as their stories are told — in our homes, in our classrooms, and in coverage like this — they will never be forgotten. Speaker Blas reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to preserving the voices of our war survivors.

And through this Fanohge series, we remain committed to doing our part — to stand for their memory, and to carry their legacy forward.