Change in Park Events for 70th Anniversary

Date: July 8, 2014
Contact: Benjamin Hayes, 671-333-4051

War in the Pacific National Historical Park is altering the schedule of planned events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle for Guam.  Although the “Fireside Chat” event on July 19 at Asan Beach will proceed as planned, the unveiling of the new Memorial Wall of Names at the Asan Bay Overlook on July 20 is cancelled.

Originally scheduled for completion by July 20, the rehabilitation of the Memorial Wall of Names will not be completed until November due to unanticipated construction delays. Construction includes removal of 56 bronze and 34 acrylic panels inscribed with the names of those who died or suffered during the occupation and Liberation of Guam, replaced by 103 new panels with 17,771 names etched into black granite.  Originally completed in 1994, the Asan Bay Overlook Memorial Wall was damaged by theft in 2007.  The renovation will add an additional 1,629 names to the wall.

According to Superintendent Jim Richardson, “While we regret the construction delay, our goal is to complete the wall renovation to the highest quality standards possible.  More importantly, we have an outstanding commemoration program set for July 19 and we welcome everyone to attend.”

Beginning at6 PMat Asan Beach on Saturday, July 19, the “Fireside Chat” commemorative event features stories from Guam Liberators and war survivors and special audiovisual programs with historic pictures, videos and recordings.  The event is free and open to the public.