Memorial Day in Guam
Memorial Day is a holiday in Guam.
When is Memorial Day in Guam
Memorial Day is celebrated on 29, May, 2023 in Guam.
About Memorial Day in Guam
Memorial Day in Guam is celebrated on the last Monday in May, just like in the United States. It is a day to honor and remember the military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Guam has a strong military presence, with various bases and installations on the island, so the holiday is particularly significant to the local community.
One of the main events on Memorial Day in Guam is the annual ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Piti. This ceremony includes a wreath-laying, a gun salute, and the playing of Taps. It is attended by veterans, military personnel, and members of the public who wish to pay their respects.
Other Memorial Day events in Guam may include parades, picnics, and barbecues. Many people also visit the graves of loved ones who served in the military and leave flowers or other tokens of remembrance.
Overall, Memorial Day in Guam is a solemn but important occasion that honors the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for their country.
History of Memorial Day in Guam
Memorial Day, also known as “Decoration Day,” is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday has a long history in Guam, which is a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific.
The first Memorial Day observance in Guam can be traced back to May 30, 1900, when a group of American soldiers and sailors gathered to pay tribute to their fallen comrades who died during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. The ceremony was held at the Hagåtña Cemetery, and it included a parade, speeches, and the laying of wreaths on the graves of the deceased.
Over the years, Memorial Day observances in Guam evolved to include a wider range of military conflicts and a larger participation from the local community. During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japanese forces, and many Americans and Chamorros (the indigenous people of Guam) were killed or imprisoned. After the war, Memorial Day became a way for the people of Guam to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died for their freedom.
In 1950, Guam became a U.S. territory, and Memorial Day became an official holiday on the island. Today, Memorial Day observances in Guam typically include a parade, a wreath-laying ceremony, and speeches by local officials and military leaders. The holiday is also a time for families to visit the graves of their loved ones who served in the military and to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for their country.
How is Memorial Day celebrated in Guam
Memorial Day is celebrated in Guam with various events and ceremonies to honor the sacrifices made by the American military personnel who lost their lives in service. The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a parade featuring military personnel, veterans, and their families. Many people visit the Guam Veterans Cemetery to pay their respects and lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. There are also wreath-laying ceremonies, speeches, and patriotic music performances throughout the day. Additionally, some families may host barbecues or picnics to celebrate the holiday with loved ones.