HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Guam lawmakers and veterans’ families convened at the Guam Congress Building on Dec. 10, 2025, to mark the first Insular Guard and Guam Combat Patrol Memorial Day and to present certificates recognizing the service and sacrifice of Chamorro guardsmen and patrol members.

Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr. opened the commemoration, saying Dec. 10 would be a day to “remember and honor” the Guam Insular Guard and Guam Combat Patrol and urging that their stories be taught to future generations. He framed the day around the events of Dec. 10, 1941, when Chamorro guardsmen engaged invading forces in Hagåtña with limited arms.

The ceremony included remarks from Senator Chris Barnett, who described the Combat Patrol’s post‑liberation operations and noted a personal family connection, and a short video featuring veteran Pedro Guerrero Cruz, who expressed enduring patriotism and service to country.

Descendants offered testimony. Eva Cruz, introduced as a descendant of Pedro Guerrero Cruz, said her father served on Dec. 10, 1941, and said “approximately 100 men with just a few weapons” faced vastly larger opposing forces. Ernie Sablan Wustek, speaking as a family member of Felix C. Wissig of the Guam Combat Patrol, recounted instances of brutality and long‑standing limited public recognition for patrol members.

The legislature presented certificate number 255‑38LS — introduced by Senator Chris Barnett and cosponsored by multiple senators — posthumously to the family of Pedro Guerrero Cruz in honor of the new Memorial Day. Additional certificates were presented to families of Juan Ampinko Ogun, Juan Luhan, Ignacio Rosario Rivera, Jose Santos Tonoyo, Felix Kamachowostek and others during the program. Presenters asked families to join them at the podium for the recognitions.

Because of rain, organizers postponed the planned walk to the Insular Guard Monument at Plaza de España and said they would place the wreath at a brief ceremony when weather permitted; Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky was asked to assist. Legislative certificates will be available for pickup in the foyer after the program.

The event focused on commemoration and recognition rather than on legislative debate or votes; organizers described the day as an effort to ensure “that freedom is never free” and to preserve the memory of those who served. The commemoration concluded with thanks to attendees, holiday wishes and light refreshments.