5 Ways to Honor the Fallen in Guam

Liberation Day, we honor and reflect on our nation’s heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are deeply grateful to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have served our country.

One of our newest partners, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, found a unique way to recognize its connection to the military. Company founder Jack Taylor selected the name Enterprise as a salute to the World War II aircraft carrier on which he served. During his tour in the Western Pacific, Taylor was assigned to squadrons aboard the USS Essex and USS Enterprise, participating in military campaigns in Guam and supporting the landings at Leyte Island in the Philippines.

“I think one of the best things that happened to me was the Navy,” said Taylor in a July 9, 2001, interview with the Naval Historical Foundation. “My whole Navy experience—the people, the way people conduct themselves, the basic morality of it—I look upon my Naval experience as one of the best things that have happened in my life.”

This Liberation Day we honor and respect those who have served in our nation’s military. The USO has been serving our military community for 81 years, and it is our honor and privilege to support our service members and their families. Here are some ways you can honor the fallen this Liberation Day.

1. Visit the Guam Cemetary where you can pay your respects by visiting the fallen.

2. Visit the Guam Gold Star Families, a new memorial that has been created to honor the families of servicemen and women from Guam, CNMI, Palau, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.

3. Visit the South Pacific Peace Park, which is dedicated to the local people, both American and Japanese soldiers, who lost their lives in the Pacific War between 1941 and 1945.

4. Volunteer your time with the USO to show your appreciation for today’s military and their families. When you volunteer at USO Guam, you become a part of the USO familia, and you just might strike up a meaningful conversation with a service member or veteran.

5. Learn About Gold Star Families, a designation that is reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty. This title is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing. Spend a few moments this weekend learning about Gold Star Families in honor of Liberation Day.

This article references content from this USO Story.