Guam starts memorial wall restoration

The Memorial Wall, created under Public Law 103-197 and dedicated in 1994, pays tribute to those who suffered or died on Guam during the occupation of World War II. The Wall honors all U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who died during the Battle for Guam from July 1, 1944 to August 10, 1944; the people of Guam who died or suffered personal injury, forced labor, forced march, or internment during the occupation of Guam from December 8, 1941 to July 21, 1944.

“The Memorial Wall restoration project is important to both the history of Guam and to the memory of our people,” said Bordallo. “This project will restore the Wall and give our people the opportunity to include names missing from the Wall, or make corrections to existing names on the Wall. This joint effort is a very important way to ensure future generations have this lasting monument to the heroes of Guam.”

The War in the Pacific National Historical Park was awarded federal special project funding to renovate the Memorial Wall at the Asan Bay Overlook with the opportunity to correct and include missing name panels on the Wall. The projected completion date for the refurbishing of the Memorial Wall is expected during summer 2009.

“There are currently 16,142 names on the Wall, but since its dedication in 1994, the National Park Service has learned that many Chamorros who died or suffered during the war are listed incorrectly, or not at all,” said Sarah Creachbaum, superintendent of the War in the Pacific National Historic Park. “The National Park Service is grateful to Congresswoman Bordallo and Governor Camacho for assisting us in gathering the names of those who should be included, or should be corrected. It will be wonderful to finally correct the omissions and inaccuracies on the wall and to appropriately honor all those who endured so much.”

“The project will ultimately symbolize the stories of hope, triumph and patriotism that has inspired a patriotic American community for 64 years,” said Camacho. “I join Congresswoman Bordallo and the National Park Service in this important effort to further recognize the ultimate sacrifices made by Guam’s greatest generation.”

The public is encouraged to visit the websites of Bordallo (www.house.gov/bordallo) and Camacho (http://guamgovernor.net/) to learn more about the application process for correcting or including names on the Memorial Wall. Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2008 thru June 30, 2008. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]