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Andersen to represent Liberation Day parade

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The 68th annual Liberation Day celebration parade will kick off with a B-52 Stratofortress flyover from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at 10 a.m. July 21.
The parade route is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Governor's complex in Adelup, Guam. The route will continue to the grandstand in Chamorro Village where the celebration begins.

The parade route will be closed to all vehicular traffic at 7 a.m., except official and authorized vehicles. It is scheduled to re-open by 3 p.m.

Each year in the week leading up to the anniversary of Liberation Day, the Guam community celebrates by hosting by hosting local carnivals, traditions, massacre-site ceremonies and fireworks.

Japanese forces invaded and took control of Guam in 1941 and it wasn't until that U.S. Forces re-took the island. The celebration of Liberation Day marks that day on July 21, 1944.

The 3rd Marine Division landed near Agana to the north of Orote, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans, especially on the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade. This battle ended their oppression by the Japanese.

The theme of this years' festivities is, "Imagine Guam... 68 years of progress through peace." Andersen AFB servicemembers will be marching during the parade and will take part in judging the floats.

"This is their remembrance of that generation and the sacrifices that were made," said Mr. Jeffrey Meyer, 36th Wing historian. "It's also a thank you to the U.S. for returning and liberating Guam."