Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | Members of the brass section with the III MEF Band perform at Guam’s 67th Liberation...... read more read more
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HAGATNA, Guam - The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band delivered world-class performances here July 20-21 as a favored participant in Guam’s 67th Liberation Day Celebrations themed “Our Manamko, Our Legacy.”
“Manamko” is the Chamorro word for the elderly and wise. July 21 marked the anniversary of Guam’s liberation from the Japanese occupation of the island during World War II. The Chamorros, Guam’s indigenous people who survived the occupation, were the event’s celebrated “Manamko.”
Col. Robert D. Loynd, officer-in-charge of Marine Corps Activity-Guam said, “There was something very special and important about this year’s celebration. As the focus and theme of the parade was the elderly – the “Manamko” – one couldn’t help but think about those still-living Chamorros who were liberated by the Marines of the 3rd Marine Division and 1st Marine Provisional Brigade 67 years ago.”
A memorial wall overlooking the Marines’ amphibious landing beach at Asan Bay, contains 16,142 names of Chamorro and American casualties who suffered or died during the war on Guam.
The III MEF Band maintained its traditional place of honor as it led the Liberation Day Parade that drew a crowd of almost 46,000 from a population of 180,000.
Brig. Gen. William Beydler, 1st MAW commanding general, was in attendance to celebrate the event.
“This performance was unique as it was performed on a U.S. Territory in front of a large audience liberated by U.S. Marines 67 years ago this month,” said Beydler. “For the people of Guam, the III MEF Band represents those Marines that were their liberators and remain their protectors. The III MEF Band performs throughout the region to remind their audiences of the history of our Corps and its continuing presence supporting peace and stability in the Pacific.”
Immediately following their landing, the band was escorted along Marine Corps Drive by the Veterans of Guam Motorcycle Club and Guam Highway Patrol to the Liberation Day Carnival Main Stage in Hagatna where they performed with the Guam Symphony Orchestra.
“The sounds that filled the air at the 67th Guam Island Fair on the eve of Liberation Day were that of the visiting Marine Corps Band. The beautiful music was enjoyed by all in attendance,” said Melissa Savares, Village of Dededo mayor and president of the Mayor’s Council of Guam.
“This year, we were privileged to witness today’s Marines – the Marines of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band – march and perform on this important Guamanian holiday and in tribute to the surviving Manamko of the actual Liberation itself,” Loynd said.
“For me there was a real symbolism on display, a sense of continuity and lasting legacy of freedom and democracy. After playing the national anthem and the Guam Hymn, the III MEF Band conducted a facing movement, broke into the Marines’ Hymn, and marched off with roaring applause coming from both sides of Marine Corps Drive,” said Loynd. “At that very moment I knew that this legacy of valor and sacrifice by Chamorros and Marines on Guam is lasting and unshakable.”
"During this special time of year for our island, we remember how important the presence of the U.S. Marine Corps is to our community. Thank you for sharing in our island’s freedom, Happy 67th Liberation Day!” concluded Savares.
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2011 21:50 |
| Story ID: | 74409 |
| Location: | HAGATNA, GU |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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