Guam Speaker Frank Blas Jr. has introduced a bill to honor the members of the Guam Insular Force Guard, CHamoru men who defended the island from the Japanese invasion in December 1941.
The Insular Guard was a volunteer unit formed in the early 1900s to help the Navy with local security, infrastructure and logistical needs.
When Japanese forces invaded on Dec. 10, 1941, the guardsmen took defensive positions in and around Hagatna.
Blas’ bill would establish Dec. 10 each year as the Insular Force Guard Memorial Day. It calls for an annual proclamation and a memorial observance.