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Legislature designates Dec. 10 as Insular Force Guard — and Guam Combat Patrol — Memorial Day
Summary
Lawmakers voted to place legislation on the voting file to recognize Dec. 10 annually to honor the Guam Insular Force Guard; an amendment added recognition of the Guam Combat Patrol and lawmakers agreed to append and publish the names of members.
Senator Frank Blas Jr.’s measure (moved on the floor by Senator Chris Duenas) would designate December 10 of each year as Insular Force Guard Memorial Day to commemorate the Indigenous Chamorro men who served in the Guam Insular Force Guard and defended Guam during the December 10, 1941 Japanese invasion.
Legislative findings read on the floor trace the history: the Insular Force Guard was a locally raised unit that, despite limited training and equipment, resisted invading forces in and around Hagatna on Dec. 10, 1941. Lawmakers noted the Guard’s sacrifices, the subsequent occupation, and the long delay in official recognition; a public monument at Plaza de España was erected in 1991.
Senator Barnett proposed and secured an amendment to include recognition of the Guam Combat Patrol — a post‑liberation volunteer unit that hunted Japanese holdouts — and read names and background on that unit. The sponsor and committee chair confirmed they will append lists of names for both the Insular Force Guard and Guam Combat Patrol to the bill so future proclamations and observances can reference individuals by name.
The body placed the bill on the third‑reading voting file without objection. Sponsors and supporters described the designation as a way to preserve historical memory, honor descendants, and promote public commemoration and education about Guam’s early World War II history.
Next steps: technical amendment to append verified names will be inserted; the bill will return for third‑reading votes and, if approved, will require annual gubernatorial proclamation and the formation of an observance committee per the statutory language proposed.
