With Guam's 77th Liberation Day around the corner, mayors were asked during their monthly meeting to confirm whether or not World War II memorials will be held in their villages.

On Wednesday, Piti Mayor and Council President Jesse Alig asked all mayors to plan their memorials following COVID-19 safety precautions.

"And of course we're still in the pandemic, we're still asking you to continue to plan within your hundred capacity because we're still in a pandemic and even if we reached herd immunity by July 21, you know we're still in a pandemic," he said. 

Mayor Ernest Chargualaf of Malesso was recognized at the meeting and said  his village will not be doing the memorial ceremonies this year. With the Tinta and Faha massacre being one of the largest memorials, he doesn't believe he can accommodate enough people while following COVID guidelines.


"Like I said, even if it's up to a hundred we have 70 people that we honor every year," Chargualaf said. "That would include the representative to come up with their customary candles to place on their family memorial."

Mayor Alig responded saying, "So mayor that's exactly why I am asking to please send me your confirmation date, time and location."

Mayor Chargualaf rebutted, "I am already confirming that I am not running."

Meanwhile, Alig confirmed that so far, only four mayors will be holding a Liberation Memorial ceremony. Barrigada will have a Kalaguac memorial service on July 9 at 9:30 a.m. Agat will have a Mass on July 19 for those killed in the Fena Cave Massacre in Agat. For Yigo, a blessing and Mass will be held for the Chaguian Massacre on Aug. 7 & 8.

Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor Paco said an event for his villages will be simple. The Japanese Consulate will be there to lay a reef at the 5th Service Marine Corps Depot in Maite on July 8 at 10 a.m.

Alig said an updated list will be released next week.