Those on Guam over the next couple of weeks might be interested in this upcoming exhibit at the Cathedral-Basilica Museum in Hagatna. To understand Guam’s relationship with the US (and the US military), it’s critical to understand how World War II affected this community, and the role the Catholic church played in its survival.
When Guam was invaded by Japan on December 8, 1941, hundreds of island residents were attending church services at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral in honor of their patron saint Santa Marian Kamalen. They were praying as the war began. To remember that history, the Guam War Survivor Memorial Foundation and the Archdiocese of Agana, in collaboration with several community groups, are hosting a photo exhibit at the Cathedral-Basilica Museum entitled, “Take My Hand: Remembering How the War Began, Promoting Peace in Our Land.”
The exhibit will feature photo collections provided by the Notan Museo, National Museum of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica; the Guam Humanities Council; the National Park Service; the Department of Parks & Recreation; the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) and the Office of Senator Frank F. Blas, Jr.
“We must remember that the strength and sprit of our manåmko’ helped them survive the war and shaped who we’ve become today,” said Sen. Frank F. Blas, Jr. “This exhibit displays the photos and stories of our war survivors, and reminds us that they are truly our island’s heroes.”
The exhibit will open with a press conference at the Cathedral-Basilica Museum at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010. It will run until Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Exhibit Hours of Operations (November 29 – December 8, 2010)
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
December 8: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For more information contact Senator Blas at 687-1483 or 472-2527 or visit: www.guamwarsurvivorstory.com.