JULY 21st, 2009 -
Celebrating Guam's 65th LIBERATION DAY
I've never been one for parades... that whole saying, "I LOVE A GOOD PARADE" just doesn't apply to me (Dale, too)... sitting in the hot sun waving to people as they walk on by... sweating as I wave - most parades I watch are from the comfort of my home... y'know - the Rose Parade or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I have to admit... I do love the Disney Electric Parade oh... and a good one I remember was the Parade at the Disney Wild Animal Kingdom... great dancers and fun for the kids - I love seeing my kids faces as they see all their fun characters waving to them.
Well... my friend, Beth LOVES a good parade and convinced us to all go down to enjoy our first LIBERATION DAY parade here on Guam. She even had our 3 older kids sleep over at her house (I think she knew she had to seize some of my troops to get Dale & I to go) And, I'm so glad she did! Without her excitement I may have missed this wonderful celebration! Thanks Bethy baby!
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She & her hubby... along with their 5 kids and our older 3... scouted out a great shady area to sit even before we arrived. She's brilliant for doing this - because it made for a very enjoyable parade day! Shade on Guam is a MUST!
The liberation of Guam was a major milestone in the history of the island. Guam has been an American Territory since 1898 and continues to be an important installation for U.S. military defense.
Japanese forces landed on the Micronesian island just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, occupying it until U.S. troops recaptured it in July of 1944. July 21 — Guam's official Liberation Day holiday — marks the day American troops began the battle that proved a major turning point for the war in the Pacific. Guam has hosted a mix of ceremonies, memorials and festive events to honor those who fought for the liberation of this westernmost U.S. Territory.
Mia had fun waving at the floats that passed by... and of course, all the kids enjoyed when candy was thrown their way!
The US Naval Hospital Guam represented us well! They were lookin' sharp! GO NAVY!
Here's a site I found with some great photos of ASAN Beach... I especially like the one of the Historical Photo taken of the Marines landing on Asan Beach.
I took the kids swimming there this weekend - and went walking around the park and all I could think about was I was walking on a very historical area! The many lives that were lost there 65 years ago... and how blessed we are to be able to live freely!! Never wanting to take our freedom for granted... and for that alone - I was so glad that we took the time to celebrate GUAM's Liberation Day... as a family, with good friends!
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