The 81st Guam Liberation Day Parade unfolded along Marine Corps Drive on July 21, 2025, featuring 70 groups and 18 floats. Under clear tropical skies, vast crowds of residents and visitors lined the route from Adelup to Chamorro Village to celebrate one of Guam’s most cherished annual traditions. This year’s parade honored the island’s World War II liberation and the enduring spirit of the CHamoru people.
The theme of the Liberation Day Parade
The theme of this year’s event, “Fanohge CHamoru” — which means “Stand Ye Guamanians” in the CHamoru language —comes from the opening line of Guam’s national anthem, also known as the Guam Hymn, written by Dr. Ramon Manalisay Sablan in 1919. The powerful phrase served not only as a call to remembrance, but as a rallying cry for resilience and pride in CHamoru identity.
Watch the following video of “the Vibrant 81st Guam Liberation Day Parade” for more interesting images.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that the theme is “not only a reflection of our past but a commitment to our future.” She described it as “the heartbeat of our identity,” paying tribute to those who endured the hardships of war and occupation, yet never lost hope for liberation.
The parade marks a historic milestone
This year’s 81st Guam Liberation Day Parade carried special significance as it also marked the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam — a landmark in the island’s political development. Signed into law in 1950, the Organic Act granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam and established a civilian government, replacing naval rule. This pivotal legislation laid the groundwork for self-governance and empowered Guamanians with a stronger voice in determining their future. The dual celebration of liberation and self-determination served as a powerful reminder of the CHamoru people’s resilience, progress, and enduring cultural pride.
A parade full of color and spirit
The grand parade featured an impressive lineup of 70 groups and 18 competing floats, showcasing the island’s rich cultural diversity and patriotic fervor. Marching units included U.S. Naval Base Guam, its tenant commands, and a wide array of local civic groups, businesses, schools, and village organizations. Each float and unit carried messages of remembrance, unity, and hope, reflecting the spirit of the CHamoru people.
Residents waved flags and cheered as decorated vehicles, cultural performers, and service members passed by along Route 1, known locally as Marine Corps Drive. From traditional CHamoru dancers to modern community groups, the parade offered a cross-generational tribute to Guam’s journey and resilience.
A display of international friendship
One of the most captivating performances came from the Falun Dafa Tian Guo Marching Band, comprising 60 members from Taiwan and 20 from Japan. Dressed in striking blue and white Tang-style uniforms, with traditional headpieces and polished black boots, the band marched in perfect unison along Marine Corps Drive, showcasing the solemn beauty of traditional Chinese culture. At the reviewing stand, they performed the American patriotic classic The Stars and Stripes Forever, earning warm applause from both the crowd and dignitaries.
Following them was a waist drum team of seven Japanese Falun Gong practitioners, whose powerful drumbeats, crisp rhythms, and synchronized movements brought vibrant energy to the parade. Together, these international performances highlighted shared values of friendship, peace, freedom, and mutual cultural respect.
Highlights of the float competition
The 81st Liberation Day Parade Float Competition was held under the theme “Fanohge CHamoru,” and the official winners were announced across several categories. Barrigada won first place in the Village Category. The joint float by the Port Authority of Guam and the Department of Labor won top honors in the Government of Guam Category. First place in the Community and Non-Profit Category went to the Palau Community of Guam. Ambros, the team that towed the Department of Public Works float, received a Special Recognition for Best Tractor Unit for their outstanding vehicle preparation.
In addition, the joint float by Airport Guam and the Guam Visitors Bureau captivated spectators at the 81st Guam Liberation Day Parade with its colourful, thematic design. A large aeroplane bearing the words “Airen CHamoru” soared above stylised clouds, symbolising Guam’s role as a travel hub and gateway to the Pacific. The national flags of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI: Saipan, Rota, and Tinian) were prominently displayed, highlighting Guam’s close ties with its regional neighbours and international visitors.
The float also featured traditional CHamoru attire and historical images of the Organic Act of Guam, along with lush tropical elements such as palm trees. These elements reinforced this year’s theme of “Fanohge CHamoru” (Stand Ye Guamanians), which pays tribute to cultural pride, resilience, and unity.
Community pride and a look forward
The Liberation Day Parade remains a highlight of Guam’s annual calendar — not just a remembrance of the past, but a celebration of identity and collective strength. It is a moment for families to gather, veterans to be honored, and young people to connect with their heritage.
From the governor’s address to the vibrant procession along Marine Corps Drive, the 81st Liberation Day Parade served as a powerful tribute to Guam’s history of resilience and its hopes for the future. As Governor Lou Leon Guerrero stated: “Liberation Day is a celebration not only of freedom reclaimed, but of a people who continue to rise in the face of adversity.”
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