‘History Comes Alive,’ commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act of Guam

The 75th anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act of Guam will be commemorated with a full slate of events to take place on Aug.1. The Organic Act of Guam, a landmark federal law established the island’s civil government and granted U.S. citizenship to its people on August 1, 1950.

From left: Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood; District Court of Guam, Chief Justice Robert J. Torres; Supreme Court of Guam, Acting Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio, Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Victor Lujan; grandson of Carlos P. Taitano, and Atty. Mike Phillips; grandson of Baltazar Bordallo. Photo by Pauly Suba

“The commemoration officially begins… with a flag-raising ceremony at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup,” said Joanne Camacho, executive director for the Guam Legislature and planning committee chairperson.

A press conference announcing the calendar of events took place at the Guam Congress building in Hagåtña on July 1.

Camacho said, “The day culminates with the ‘History Comes Alive Festival’ at the Plaza de España from 12:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring cultural performances, music, food, vendors, educational activities, and more,” Camacho said. “It is a celebration for the whole family and the entire island community.”

Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood of the U.S. District Court of Guam announced that a special citizenship ceremony will be held on August 1, in honor of the Organic Act’s passage and the granting of U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam.

“As a tribute to the 75 years of United States citizenship, our District Court is honored to host a special naturalization ceremony on the 4^th floor of our courtroom and welcome our newest fellow Americans on Friday, Aug, 1 at 9:30 a.m. This commemorative naturalization ceremony… will be held right here in the historic halls of this Guam Congress Building, which is also home to the original federal District Court of Guam,” she said.

The Judiciary of Guam will also participate in the celebration by opening its historic courthouse for guided public tours. “As part of our anniversary celebration of the Organic Act, the judiciary will be offering public guided tours of the Guam Historic Courthouse. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. through August 1,” said Chief Justice Robert Torres. “The building, which was completed in 1968, was the first judicial building funded by Guam’s civil government and many of the buildings original features have an artfully and carefully been preserved.”

Camacho acknowledged the families of historic figures whose advocacy helped lead to the passage of the Organic Act. “We are proud to acknowledge and welcome the descendants of the historical figures, Carlos Pangelinan Taitano, Baltazar J. Bordallo, F.B. LeonGuerrero, and Concepcion Cruz Barrett,” Camacho said. “Their courage and commitment helped shape the foundation of the modern government, and we thank their families for joining us here today.”

She also expressed gratitude to the agencies, sponsors, and partners who helped make the commemoration possible. “This commemoration is made possible through the generous support of the partners and sponsors who share our vision to honor Guam’s history and educate the future generations,” Camacho said. “We give special thanks to the Guam Preservation Trust. Through the grant provided by Guam Economic Development Authority, Guam Preservation Trust has helped bring this celebration to life through cultural preservation, educational exhibits, and historic storytelling.”

Private sector sponsors include Core Tech International, the Guam Visitors Bureau, GTA, Pay-Less Supermarkets, Calvo Enterprises, BankPacific, Matson, MDWI, Bank of Guam, Barrett Plumbing, Ada’s Funeral Home, Family Finance, Black Construction, and Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. “To each of you, si Yu’os ma’ase for believing in the power of history and community,” Camacho said.

Acting Governor Joshua F. Tenorio called the Organic Act a starting point rather than a finish line. “Just about 75 years ago, the Organic Act made the foundation for a government on Guam by and for our people,” Tenorio said. “It gave our families U.S. citizenship, established the Guam legislature, and began a critical shift to let Guam start building itself. While we recognize the Organic Act of Guam is a beginning and not an end, it represents an essential, critical chapter in our island’s ongoing journey toward true self-determination.”

Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr. welcomed attendees to the Guam Congress Building, acknowledging its history. “Welcome to your house, welcome to the house of people.” he said. “We’re sitting in a historic site, where many icons, many individuals who have taken us to where we are today have stood before their colleagues to be able to speak about the liberties and freedoms and powers that we want for our people to have. The likes of uncle Carlos Taitano, Baltazar Bordallo, Antonio Won Pat, F.B. Leon Guerrero, Eduardo Calvo, and many others. I’m humbled that they were here before me and I can stand on their shoulders to be able to continue to do the work that they wanted for our people.”

The “History Comes Alive” press conference commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam was held on July 1, at the Guam Congress building. Photo courtesy of the office of the governor of Guam.

Blas said, “So, over the next 30 days, there is going to be many celebrations, many commemorations, many ways for us to remember, to rejoice, to reflect on what has happened over the last 81 and 75 years. Take your pick. All of this was to make our island a much better place.”

For the complete event calendar, follow historycomesalive75 on Instagram. mbj

‘History Comes Alive,’ commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Organic Act of Guam