In 1941, after WW II broke out, American and Japanese forces fought for Guam. The Japanese won, and they retained control over the island until the second Battle of Guam. It was during these years that Japan occupied Guam and made the natives of Guam, the Chamorros, subservient to the Japanese. This included learning Japanese culture, bowing the Japanese, and incorporating Japanese customs into their own culture.

On this day July 27^th, in 1944, the U.S. recaptures Guam from Japan. This was during the Second Battle of Guam, which started on July 21^st and ended August 10^th. U.S. forces numbered over 35,000, while the Japanese had approximately 22,000 on the island. Japanese forces took heavy losses, with nearly 19,000 were killed in the battle.

Guam is located in the Pacific Ocean and today is an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is part of the Marina Islands. Their liberation Day is celebrated on the 21^st of July, when U.S. forces actually gained control. Guam’s economy is dependent on tourism, primarily from Japan, and from the U.S. military. The U.S. has held numerous army and naval bases over the last few decades.