The fight for recognition and justice continues for Guam's radiation victims.

On Monday, leaders and advocates gathered to honor their sacrifices and demand action. Our island also came together to commemorate the national day of remembrance for Downwinders.

To mark this solemn occasion, the 38th Guam Legislature presented resolution 10-38, honoring those impacted by radiation exposure from nuclear testing and commending the Pacific Association of Radiation Survivors, or PARS, for decades of advocacy for cancer survivors.

The nuclear testing happened between 1945 and 1962 at the Pacific proving grounds.

The fallout from these tests exposed thousands of Pacific Islanders, including the people of Guam, to harmful radiation, leading to devastating health consequences that persist to this day.

“Justice delayed is justice denied, and every day that passes without recognition of Guam’s inclusion in RECA is another day of denial for the countless families grieving those they’ve lost and those who are still suffering,” said Senator Therese Terlaje. 

The resolution highlights that Guam received measurable radioactive fallout confirmed by the National Research Council.

And while seven of the top ten cancers diagnosed in Guam were compensable under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, the island remains excluded from the federal program.

However, Robert Celestial, Founder and President of PARS, shared a message of hope.

“When this bill is passed – and I believe it will – the suffering won’t end, however, at least there will be recognition that this did happen to our people,” said Celestial 

The resolution emphasizes the need for compensation, health care, and accountability for the people of Guam.

It calls on Congress to right this historical injustice and extend RECA protections to Guam.