Tuesday 21 July Guam Liberation Day in Guam

This article explores the historical significance of Guam Liberation Day, a public holiday observed annually on July 21st. The text details how the United States originally acquired the island in 1898 before losing it to a Japanese invasion shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It highlights the Second Battle of Guam in 1944, a pivotal conflict that successfully ended years of enemy occupation and returned the territory to American governance. Beyond the primary battle, the source notes the resilience of Japanese holdouts, including one soldier who remained hidden in the jungle for nearly three decades. Ultimately, the piece emphasizes how the island’s recovery provided a strategic military base that proved essential for the Allied victory in World War II.