Not letting the past FLOAT away

The theme for this year's Parade was Occupation to Liberation. 70 years ago, Dec 11, 1941 the Japanese invaded Guam and beheaded all but 1 US soldier (George Tweed) and threw many Chamorro's into work camps and concentration camps were many were murdered

 

The yearly Parade is a joyous remembrance of July 21, 1944, when the US 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and 3rd Marine Division made it ashore despite heavy casualties.

It is also a call to remember the 77th Infantry who lacked amphibious vehicles and who were just dropped off on the  edge of the reef with 50 lb packs.  The surf was high and dangerous. Many were gunned down, some drowned. The  local people wondered how these young men, barely 18 years, could possibly save them.  But the 77th pressed forward and continued up the steep cliffs of Guam to the stop the enemy and rescue those who could not defend themselves .

I love the parade floats that help everyone remember the best of the past, present and future.  The Liberation Parades always make me think of the times in our lives we are all "occupied" by forces that want to destroy us... and how we need help and someone to rescue us.

We all need a 'Captain America' type hero to save the day.  I have realized that when God sends help, many times it comes in a form that is less than desirable, not what we had visioned and maybe unrecognizable .... it's our choice to take the hand offered and swim in gratitude.

There is always a need to remember the past because if the memory dims and we forget it, we run the risk of losing  forthcoming battles.

Women and children continue to be casualties of evil men and goodness flickers out and dies.

  
Is a parade with kids on bikes, Marines bearing the flag, and submarine floats the best way to remember and honor immeasurable sacrifices?  You bet your Stars and Stripes it is! And when you thank a Vet or ask a local what they remember of the occupation days and how they forgave the atrocities, or shake the hand of a US serviceman, that gratitude FLOATS to the heavens and echos for eternity.