The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) invites residents and visitors to participate in special Liberation season activities during the Tumon Night Market as Guam commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the Liberation of Guam under this year’s official theme, “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria” (“For Our Honor, For Our Glory”).
In response to the cancellation of this year’s official Liberation Parade due to the impacts of Super Typhoon Bavi, GVB has expanded its regularly scheduled Tumon Night Market programming to include a special Liberation Day edition on Tuesday, July 21, in addition to the regularly scheduled event on Sunday, July 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tumon Sands Plaza. The events will feature local food vendors, artisans, cultural entertainment, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to celebrate the resilience, honor, and enduring spirit of the people of Guam.
For many years, GVB has proudly supported efforts that preserve and honor the legacy of Guam’s Liberation, including assisting Liberation survivors who return home to participate in commemorative events and share their stories with future generations. These efforts reflect GVB’s longstanding commitment to preserving the history and significance of July 21, 1944, while embracing this year’s theme, “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria,” which recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and pride of those who endured and overcame the hardships of war.
GVB recognizes that Guam’s official Liberation Day commemoration has a longstanding and meaningful place in Hagåtña, where the events of Liberation hold deep historical significance. GVB fully supports the official commemoration and the leadership of the Government of Guam and the Mayors’ Council of Guam in preserving this important tradition.
As part of the Liberation Day observance, fireworks displays are planned for Tuesday, July 21, with a fireworks show scheduled for 7:21 p.m. in Hagåtña and a second display at 9:00 p.m. in Tumon.
“Guam’s Liberation story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience,” said Régine Biscoe Lee, GVB President & CEO. “This year’s theme, ‘Para I Onra, Para I Gloria,’ reminds us that we honor those who fought for our freedom by continuing to come together as one community. We wanted to create additional opportunities for our residents and visitors to support local businesses, celebrate our culture, and reflect on the enduring spirit of our island while remembering the sacrifices that made our freedom possible.”
The Liberation season activities in Tumon are intended to complement the official commemoration by providing an additional venue for community gathering and economic activity during an extraordinary year. They are not intended to replace or redefine Guam’s official Liberation Day observance.
GVB remains committed to working alongside government agencies, veterans, Liberation survivors, historians, cultural leaders, and community partners to preserve the historical integrity of Guam’s Liberation while supporting programs that celebrate Guam’s heritage, uphold the values reflected in “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria,” and strengthen the island’s visitor economy.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the Tumon Night Market during Liberation week to enjoy local cuisine, entertainment, shopping, and community fellowship while honoring one of the most significant milestones in Guam’s history and celebrating “For Our Honor, For Our Glory.”
Additional details regarding the Sunday, July 26 Tumon Night Market will be announced at a later date.
