119-hres545

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 545 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 545

 Supporting the designation of Guam War Survivors Remembrance Day.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 June 25, 2025

 Mr. Moylan submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Supporting the designation of Guam War Survivors Remembrance Day.

Whereas Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Mariana 
 Island chain and has been an integral part of the United States since 
 December 10, 1898;
Whereas Guam was invaded by Imperial Japanese forces on December 8, 1941, hours 
 after the attack on Pearl Harbor;
Whereas the CHamoru people of Guam endured nearly 3 years of harsh occupation 
 and atrocities by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II until it 
 was liberated in 1944 by American forces;
Whereas the survivors of this occupation demonstrated extraordinary courage, 
 resilience, and unwavering loyalty to the United States despite facing 
 unimaginable hardships;
Whereas survivors endured forced labor, torture, beatings, executions, and 
 forced marches to concentration camps, including the notorious Manenggon 
 camp where approximately 18,000 CHamoru people were imprisoned without 
 adequate food, shelter, or sanitation;
Whereas survivors risked their lives to hide and protect members of the Armed 
 Forces, including George Ray Tweed, who evaded capture for 31 months 
 with CHamoru assistance;
Whereas families were torn apart as survivors watched loved ones die during 
 forced marches, lost children during birth, and were compelled to leave 
 deceased family members behind without proper burial;
Whereas an estimated 1,170 CHamoru civilians died during the occupation, 
 representing nearly 10 percent of the population;
Whereas survivors maintained their faith, cultural identity, and hope for 
 American liberation while preserving crucial testimony of Imperial 
 Japanese war crimes committed on American soil;
Whereas the United States recognized the loyalty of the people of Guam and 
 passed the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act in 2016;
Whereas the Government of Guam has awarded over $38,000,000 in combined Federal 
 and local war reparations to survivors and descendants;
Whereas survivors provided intelligence and support that contributed to American 
 liberation forces reaching Guam on July 21, 1944;
Whereas the resilience and unwavering loyalty of survivors represent the 
 indomitable spirit of the CHamoru people;
Whereas survivors and their families deserve continued recognition for their 
 sacrifices and ongoing support for their needs;
Whereas the legacy of these survivors reminds us of our obligation to protect 
 human rights and prevent such atrocities from occurring again;
Whereas honoring survivors ensures that their experiences will not be forgotten 
 and that their courage will inspire future generations; and
Whereas June 28, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Guam War Survivors 
 Remembrance Day, commemorating the courage and resilience of Guam's 
 survivors and honoring their unwavering loyalty and sacrifices: Now, 
 therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) supports the designation of ``Guam War Survivors 
 Remembrance Day'' to honor the resilience and extraordinary 
 courage of CHamoru survivors who endured nearly three years of 
 Imperial Japanese occupation while maintaining their loyalty to 
 the United States; and

    (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
 Guam War Survivors Remembrance Day with appropriate ceremonies 
 and activities to honor the memory of survivors who have 
 passed, support those still living, and ensure their stories of 
 courage and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.
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