81st Guam Liberation Day Greetings from the 38th Guam Legislature

Frank F. Blas Jr., Speaker of the 38th Guam Legislature shares a story in commemoration of Guam's Liberation.
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Guam 81st Liberation Theme: Fanoghe CHamoru
This year, as we mark the 81st Anniversary of Guam’s Liberation, we embrace the theme Fanoghe CHamoru—Stand Ye CHamoru—the resounding first line of our island’s anthem, written by Dr. Ramon Manalisay Sablan in 1919.

It is both a tribute to our past and a call to our future: a rallying cry for unity, for pride, and for strength.
Fanoghe CHamoru is more than a historical refrain but the heartbeat of our identity. It honors the resilience of our people who endured occupation, hardship, and loss yet never wavered in their faith, their love of the island, and their hope for liberation. It reminds us that Liberation Day is not just about the return of freedom but about the enduring spirit of a people who stood tall in the face of adversity and who continue to rise.

This year’s theme also reflects a parallel milestone in our island’s journey, the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on August 1, 1950. The Organic Act granted American citizenship to all persons residing in Guam at the time of its enactment and to their children born after April 11, 1899. It established a civilian government and a framework for self-determination, marking the beginning of our modern political evolution.

Together, Liberation and the Organic Act are twin pillars of our journey: one reclaiming our freedom, the other affirming our identity as a people and as part of a greater whole. As we reflect on these defining moments, we recommit to the spirit of Fanoghe CHamoru: to stand proud, to speak with courage, and to work toward a future that honors our heritage while shaping a better tomorrow for all.