75 years ago, emerging from the rubble of a war torn island, the people of Guam stood tall, now as U.S. citizens

Today, we reflect on the history, made of tangled strings of struggle, denial, and the indomitable CHamoru spirit, that led us to this reality.

Starting early this morning, our leaders, elders, and members of our community gathered to watch as flags were raised

Not just flags mark us as a territory, but marking our resilience, identity, and progress hard-won and at the heart of this day of reflection, a naturalization ceremony at the Guam Congress building.

Rita Garcia is the eldest of the group gaining their citizenship today, a day she’s been waiting for since she arrived in Guam in 1979.

“I’m so happy about gaining my citizenship,” said Garcia. “It’s so nice! We’re all happy!”

Christopher Bases says the intertwining of the two occasions only adds to the joy of the day.

“It’s pretty meaningful, as they said, because it’s the first time that they did it here. So, I really appreciate the event,” said Bases.

And Tina Valdez feels blessed for the journey that led her to this point.

“It’s been a journey of 25 years before I could get to this point. So, I’m very happy,” added Valdez. “It’s a milestone. It’s very special. So I’m very happy that I’m in this group, this batch. I’m very grateful.”

Congressman James Moylan says that while we celebrate the law that granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam, we now celebrate their journey to becoming a part of that story.

“Whether you came in search of opportunity, safety, or simply a better life for your family, this moment marks a powerful new beginning. As new citizens you now carry the right and the responsibility to shape the future of our nation we proudly call home,” said Moylan.

Across the street at the Plaza de España, the historic site revitalization festival kicks off the Håfa Adai experience.

Members of the community gathered for critical conversations reflecting on what led to the Organic Act’s enactment and what options we have for where we want to go in the future.

Exhibits chronicling the history of our government standing tall in the Guam Museum and Congress building.