Photo By Sgt. Brayden Daniel | U.S Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin, combat graphics specialist, Gunnery Sgt....... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam – For 31 continuous months, the people of Guam showed resiliency and fought oppression under Imperial Japanese rule during World War II. Now, in 2026, they continue to weather the storm and persevere, celebrating 82 years of liberation. This enduring survival has been rooted in Inafa’maolek—the CHamoru value of restoring harmony and community resilience. Today, that same spirit unites the Guam community and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz through joint efforts like the 82nd Liberation Day Mass, the Ben Blaz Memorial Highway cleanup, and facility restoration at Finegayan Elementary School.
As part of the island’s month-long liberation commemorations, Marines with MCB Camp Blaz joined the local community and WWII survivors on July 21 for a solemn Mass, honoring the veterans who stormed Asan Beach and those who lost their lives.
As Marines stood alongside community members in the sacred aisles of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, the historic birthplace of Guam’s faith, their presence served as a physical testament to the enduring relationship between Guam’s community and the Marine Corps.
“Although this year’s Liberation events were marked by hardship rather than celebration, our commitment to the people of Guam has never been stronger,” said Maj. Micheal Guard, headquarters company commander, MCB Camp Blaz. “Together, we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by standing beside our community when it needs us most.”
Furthering their commitment to community stewardship, on July 28, Marines from Camp Blaz gathered along the Ben Blaz Memorial Highway for a dedicated clean-up operation. Named in honor of the late Brig. Gen. Vicente "Ben" Tomas Garrido Blaz, the first CHamoru general officer in the Marine Corps, the thoroughfare holds deep historical and cultural significance. By clearing trash, removing roadside debris, and restoring the route's natural appearance, the Marines engaged in active environmental stewardship. These efforts help to ensure that the physical pathways of the island accurately reflect the pride, respect, and harmony central to the overarching story of Guam's liberation.
The Marines' hands-on support continued at Finegayan Elementary School, where they assisted with critical restoration efforts. As MCB Camp Blaz’s sister school, the mission held special significance, transforming a routine cleanup into a vital exchange of mutual partnership. During the project, Marines actively restored the campus by painting school buildings, moving furniture, and relocating educational supplies.
“The people of Guam have shown that even after devastating storms, their spirit cannot be broken,” said Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao, combat videographer, Headquarters Company, MCB Camp Blaz. “It was an honor to work alongside the community and help restore a place where children can safely learn and play.”
This is the same resilience that local teachers and MCB Camp Blaz Marines relied on to help restore Finegayan Elementary School. As the island looks ahead, the professionalism and selfless service displayed in these moments quietly underscore an enduring bond, guiding MCB Camp Blaz and the people of Guam as they step into the future together.
Bound by the shared sacrifices of 1944, this enduring commitment ensures the spirit of Inafa’maolek will continue to guide the Marines of Camp Blaz and the people of Guam, side by side, in strength and service.
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2026 18:02 |
| Story ID: | 571807 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines honor Guam’s Liberation through service, by LCpl Jayden Martinez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
