Guam Residents Thank Navy for Celebration at Historic Village

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

April 14, 2010 - SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Former residents of the pre-World War II village of Sumay and their descendants celebrated their heritage April 11 thanks to a working partnership between U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) and three local mayors' offices.

"We're so thankful and grateful for the United States Navy for opening this place up for us today," said Mayor Ben Gumataotao of the village of Piti and one of the event organizers.

"Back to Sumay Day" allowed former residents and descendants of the historic village to return as a community and learn more about their history.

Sumay was one of the island's most prosperous villages with a population of more than 2,000 in the late 1930s. However, the residents had to leave the village as the Imperial Forces of Japan invaded Guam during World War II. What now remain are remnants of the past, such as a Sumay Cemetery, which are preserved by the Navy on NBG.

Capt. Scott Galbreaith, NBG commanding officer, said the event was one way to reinforce an already strong relationship between the Navy and the island's community. It was also a way to honor the men and women, both civilians and military, who fought and died during World War II.

"We need to get along as neighbors now and recognize that a lot of people made a lot of sacrifices and those sacrifices need to be honored," Galbreaith said.

The day-long event started with a Catholic Mass attended by hundreds of "man'amko," or elders, of Guam's Chamorro people, and their families.

With tears in her eyes, Marie Luarca, whose mother's family lived in Sumay, said she appreciated the opportunity to attend Mass at the old village with her family. She added it was great meeting other elderly and their children to hear their family stories.

"I just hope that my generation and those to follow can continue to maintain the memories of our parents who were born and raised here," Luarca said.

Mass was followed by presentations of the village's history shared by WWII survivors and historians, among them Tony Palomo, a Chamorro historian and author.

Palomo spoke of Sumay's history as a port for ships and amphibious planes that brought military personnel and visitors to the island.

"Sumay has always played a tremendous role because it's the first place you get to when you get to Guam," Palomo said.

Gumataotao, who was born in Sumay in 1927 and survived the Japanese attack on the area in 1941, said it saddened him that his home was lost in the war. Gumataotao, a retired U.S. Navy master chief, said he's glad to see the area continues to serve as a platform from which the U.S. can launch forces in protection of the nation, the island and the freedoms all American citizens enjoy.

"Thank the Lord the United States won this war otherwise we would not be here," Gumataotao said.

At the event, there were also a display of photos and old newspaper clippings portraying life on Guam in the 1930s, a traditional Chamorro fiesta and presentations by cultural performers.