Happy 77th Liberation Day!

This Wednesday marks Guam's 77th Liberation Day! The island's annual liberation parade on July 21 is traditionally packed with crowds to celebrate Guam's freedom from Japan's cruel occupation. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberation activities have changed a bit. Nevertheless, as part of our patriotism, we continue to celebrate and thank those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces to fight for the freedom that we enjoy today! Happy 77th Liberation Day, Guahan! Biba Guahan!

Tinta and Faha Memorial Service - July 16

Each year we memorialize and honor the victims of the Tinta and Faha Massacre, and the 7 Heroes who prevented the village of Malesso from a total massacre, including the following heroes: Reyes, Jose S.; Chargualaf, Nicolas A.; Meno, Vicente M.; Nangauta, Jose N.; Nangauta, Mariano N.; Naputi, Juan A.; and Taijeron, Patricio S. More information on the Tinta and Faha Massacres can be found at https://www.guampedia.com/war-atrocities-tinta-and-faha-massacres.  The snapshots below were taken during this year's memorial service.  

7 Heroes of Malesso

77 years later, seven heroes of Malesso have their complete recognition. The only village on Guam not liberated by the U.S. Armed Forces but by the villagers themselves is Malesso. But for 77 years, they are honored yet their names are missing on a monument in front of San Dimas Church. In 2020, the son of war hero Juan Acfalle Naputi, Joaquin N. Naputi, solicited assistance from some villagers. It wasn't until July 2021 that villagers Steve Cruz, Phillip Taijeron, Jr. and Jose D. Naputi came through. Coordination with the parish priest and funding to have a name plate placed on the existing monument came to fruition. These 7 Heroes of Malesso, for their courage, bravery and valor in killing the Japanese, deserve the utmost recognition, as they saved their fellow villagers from a total massacre. 

On July 13, 2021, on the monument in front of San Dimas Church, Malesso the name plate of these heroes was finally added. This is part of Guam history, and now at this monument, full and complete recognition was finally bestowed to these heroes. Please visit https://www.guampedia.com/war-atrocities-tinta-and-faha-massacres/ for more information.

Seven Heroes of Malesso. Pictured above is the name plate of the 7 heroes who helped prevent a total massacre of Malesso residents by the Japanese.

Happy 4th of July!

Have a Happy 4th of July, but always remember to live life to the fullest, because freedom isn’t free.  God bless those who serve, so that we may have the freedom we enjoy today.  

 

ISTELive21 Amazing!

The ISTELive21 was simply amazing! It was jam-packed with innovative and resourceful EdTech ideas, strategies, etc. I will definitely use the knowledge I've gained to empower my students and fellow colleagues alike. I was also fortunate to win a copy of Tim Needles' book titled, STEAM POWER, Infusing Art into Your Stem Curriculum.  I can't wait to read it! #ISTELive21Amazing!

Can’t wait to read this book!  😀

 

LCICon2021 Unforgettable!

The LCICon2021 was a memorable virtual gathering of "Service from the Heart," as International President Lion Douglas X. Alexander put it.  The Guahan Isan Famaguon Lions Club was represented at the LCICon2021 by IPP/Regional 1 Chairwoman Theresa "Ewy" Taitano and Marketing and Communications Chairwoman Lion Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

GIFLC Officers Participate in LCICon2021.  Pictured L-R:  IPP/Regional 1 Chairwoman Theresa "Ewy" Taitano and Marketing and Communications Chairwoman Lion Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

IP Douglas Alexander's coat (logo) for LY 2021-2022