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The Guam Society of America currently has many members from around the Washington, D.C. metro area, throughout the United States and on Guam.
The Guam Society of America has a rich and storied history, dating back to its establishment on April 3, 1952. Originally known as the Guam Territorial Society of Washington, D.C., this organization was born from the aspirations of Chamorros residing in the DC area who sought to create a platform to represent Guam within the esteemed National Conference of State Societies. This pivotal moment in history was formalized through an act of Congress (66 Stat. 412 Pub. Law 293, 82nd Congress, HR 4467), marking the Guam Society of America as the oldest Chamorro/Guamanian organization in the continental United States of America.
From its inception, the Society’s mission has been clear: to foster friendly and cooperative relationships among the various State and Territorial Societies in the District of Columbia and to promote educational, cultural, and civic activities in the District of Columbia and its surrounding communities. This vision found legal footing when the Society was officially incorporated on October 13, 1976, as a nonprofit corporation under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act.
In an evolution reflective of its enduring commitment to its heritage, the organization’s name was changed to the Guam Society of America on July 3, 1986. This adjustment emphasized the broader representation of Chamorros and Guamanians living in the Washington, D.C. area, transcending geographical boundaries to unite a diverse community of individuals who shared a common cultural heritage.
The Society provided a special and cherished venue for former residents of Guam living in Washington, D.C., as well as in the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland. Through a variety of gatherings, including receptions, dinners, picnics, and a myriad of events, the Society fostered a sense of unity and belonging. It was an organization built on the foundation of shared experiences and a profound connection to the pivotal moments in Chamorro history.
The Society’s founders, many of whom were in the Washington, D.C. area during the critical period of the push for and eventual passage of the Organic Act of 1950, which granted Chamorros U.S. citizenship, remain a source of inspiration. Their dedication to preserving Chamorro heritage and their relentless efforts to keep the Society vibrant and dynamic in the nation’s capital continue to be honored by its members.
As the years have passed and more Chamorros have made their home in the Washington, D.C. metro area, the Guam Society of America has continued to grow and flourish. It remains a beacon of cultural pride and community strength, a testament to the enduring spirit of Chamorro heritage in the heart of the United States’ capital. The Society’s legacy lives on, a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering connections in a diverse and ever-changing world.
In 1952, a significant milestone marked the beginning of a cherished tradition when the Society selected its inaugural Cherry Blossom Princess, the illustrious Eloise Johnston. Eloise, daughter of the esteemed educator Agueda Johnston, was chosen to represent Guam at the esteemed National Cherry Blossom Festival. This momentous occasion was not only a tribute to Eloise but also a nod to the legacy of her accomplished mother.
Since that historic moment, the Society has continued its tradition of sponsoring a princess for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and each year, the highlight is the coronation ball, where the Society’s Cherry Blossom Princess is celebrated among its dedicated members and cherished friends. This event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and cultural appreciation fostered by the Society.
Remarkably, the Society’s commitment to the National Cherry Blossom Festival has yielded even more remarkable achievements. Three remarkable Guam Cherry Blossom princesses, Angela Bamba McClees (1982), Tonya Manibusan (1992), and Teresa Sablan (2005), were honored with the prestigious title of Cherry Blossom Queen at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. These exceptional women represented not only Guam but also the entire United States at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan, showcasing the cultural exchange and global significance of the Society’s involvement.
The Society’s affiliation with the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) has been an integral part of its journey. It is worth noting that three distinguished past presidents of the Society have ascended to the position of NCSS presidents: General Frank Torres during the 1974-75 term, Mr. William Barbee, Jr. in the 1986-87 term, and Lourdes Barrett in the 2007-2008 term. Their leadership not only elevated the Society’s standing but also solidified its place within the larger NCSS community.
While as of April 2020, the Society is no longer a standing member of the NCSS, its commitment to the spirit of collaboration and support remains unwavering. The enduring history and connection with the NCSS have left an indelible mark, and the Society continues to be sought after to lend its expertise and support to NCSS events and initiatives. The bonds forged with various state and territorial societies within the NCSS endure, with invitations exchanged for Society and NCSS events, keeping the tradition alive and the spirit of unity thriving throughout the years. The Society’s legacy of cultural appreciation and cooperation remains a vital and vibrant part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s rich tapestry.
(*In 2021 and 2022, the Society did not hold a Cherry Blossom Princess Coronation Ball due to the impacts of the COVID19 Pandemic)
The Guam Society’s unwavering commitment to Guam and its people is evident through its extensive support and assistance to key institutions and individuals. This dedication extends to the office of the Congressional Delegate of Guam, the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam, the Guam Legislature, and the brave Chamorro men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those stationed in the National Capital Region.
The Society plays a vital role in uniting people who have a deep connection to Guam, serving as a catalyst for gatherings that celebrate Chamorro culture and heritage. Notably, the Society hosts some of the largest Chamorro gatherings on the East Coast, including the Liberation Day Picnic, Annual Chamorro Night, and Christmas Party events. These occasions serve as a testament to the Society’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Guam with the diaspora in the United States.
Additionally, the Society actively participates in events commemorating the Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Mariana Islands. This involvement encompasses meaningful activities such as wreath-laying ceremonies and receptions, often hosted in collaboration with the Guam Congressional Office or the Washington, D.C. Liaison Office of the Governor of Guam. These events not only honor the past but also strengthen the bonds between Guam and its supporters on the mainland.
In the spirit of regional solidarity, the Society has forged partnerships and provided support for events involving Pacific Island brethren, exemplified by its participation in Pacific Night and Pacific Fun Day events. These collaborations promote cultural exchange and foster unity among Pacific Island communities.
Furthermore, the Guam Society upholds the island’s devotion to Our Lady of Camarin (Santa Marian Kamalen), Guam’s patroness saint. The Society hosts nightly novenas, culminating in an annual mass held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Within this hallowed space, a replica of Santa Marian Kamalen is enshrined, allowing all visitors to the Shrine to pay their respects and experience the deep spiritual connection that binds the Chamorro community.
Through its multifaceted endeavors and unwavering dedication, the Guam Society stands as a beacon of support, cultural preservation, and spiritual enrichment for the Chamorro community and all who share in Guam’s rich heritage.
Since its inception in 2009, the Guam Society has been dedicated to empowering the future of our next generation through its scholarship programs. These scholarships are made possible by the generous proceeds raised from the Roberto L.G. Lizama Memorial Golf Classic and other contributions. Over the years, the Society has proudly awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to deserving students, with a particular focus on those attending the University of Guam and the Guam Community College.
The Roberto L.G. Lizama Memorial Golf Classic holds a special place in the Society’s heart, as it is named in honor of ‘Uncle Bob Lizama,’ a remarkable individual who served in the Armed Forces and held positions in several White House administrations during his time in Washington, D.C. Uncle Bob’s passion for golf was equaled only by his desire to share the warmth of Chamorro spirit and hospitality with the Society’s members and their families. His legacy lives on through this golf classic, which not only raises funds for scholarships but also embodies his commitment to the Chamorro community.
In tribute to another cherished supporter of the Guam Society, the Brigida Lizama Scholarship was established. This scholarship is awarded to students who meet specific criteria and contribute community service hours in support of the Guam Society. It is named after Brigida ‘Auntie Bea’ Lizama, a stalwart advocate of the Guam Society during her lifetime in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Auntie Bea was a tireless champion of helping the next generation from Guam pursue their higher education aspirations. The programs bearing the names of Uncle Bob and Auntie Bea continue to carry forward their legacy, honoring their passion for education and community service.
In 2017, the Guam Society mourned the loss of Angela Bamba Morgan, its first Cherry Blossom Queen, following her courageous battle against leukemia. To commemorate Angela’s unwavering support for the Society’s Cherry Blossom Princess program and the Society as a whole, the Cherry Blossom Princess Scholarship was renamed in her honor in 2018.
In January 2012, the Society marked a momentous occasion by providing a special scholarship award to the University of Guam, celebrating both the University and the Society’s 60th anniversaries. That same year, the Society established an endowment for the Guam Community College, solidifying its commitment to higher education on Guam. In 2022, as the Society commemorated its 70th anniversary alongside the University of Guam, it made a meaningful contribution to the University’s U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Endowment fund. This gesture underlined the Society’s support for the University’s ROTC Program and the many commissioned officers who have served in the National Capital Region, including prestigious assignments such as the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, Fort Meade, and the National Guard Bureau. These dedicated officers and their families have consistently supported the Guam Society and its events, not only during their military service but also in retirement as they continued to be an integral part of the Washington, D.C. metro area community.
The Guam Society proudly upholds the cherished Chamorro tradition of honoring and respecting its elders. In Chamorro culture, the blessings enjoyed today are a testament to the labor and wisdom passed down through previous generations. Among these esteemed individuals, the Honorable Carlos Taitano, the Society’s principal organizer, played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s legacy.
In the spirit of gratitude and remembrance, the Society pays tribute to those special individuals and members in the D.C. area who were instrumental in ensuring a lasting legacy but have since passed on. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the Guam Society, and they include:
These revered Manaina, who paved the way for the Society in its current form, are joined by those who remain actively dedicated to supporting the Society and are recognized as Manaina/Honorary Members. These individuals include:
In 2011, the Guam Society earned recognition from the Guam Visitors Bureau as a Hafa Adai Pledge Supporter, reaffirming its strong commitment to infusing Guam’s rich cultural practices into its daily operations, communications, and activities. This initiative extended the vibrant island spirit of Guam beyond its shores and into the heart of the Nation’s Capital.
In 2012, the Society received a special acknowledgment from the Office of the Vice President of the United States, then held by the Honorable Joe Biden. This recognition took place during the annual Chamorro Night event, commemorating the Society’s Diamond (60th) Anniversary as an organization.
In 2013, the Guam Society was honored with the prestigious Roy C. Haines Award by the National Conference of State Societies, recognizing it as the Outstanding Society for the 2013-2014 term.
The year 2016 marked a significant milestone as the Guam Society sponsored three delegates to the 2016 Festival of the Pacific Arts (FESTPAC) held on Guam. These delegates, namely Carmen Toves, Shawna Camit Cabatu, and Teresita Smith, joined several Guam Society members in attending the festival. FESTPAC brought together Guam and more than 25 different island nations, offering a vibrant celebration of island cultures.
2016 also marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the Guam Society and Hale Para Agupa, led by Director Teresita Smith, one of the Society’s 2016 FESTPAC delegates. This collaboration expanded cultural learning, empowerment, and knowledge to the Washington, D.C. metro area. Hale Para Agupa introduced innovative methods of conducting in-person and online language classes, which quickly gained popularity. These classes provided individuals in the metro D.C. area and across the country with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chamorro culture, learn the language, and experience the island’s rich customs. Many dedicated Society members became instructors, generously sharing their deep knowledge and cultural backgrounds.
In 2019, the Guam Society hosted its annual Liberation Fiesta Picnic at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, boasting the largest attendance in its history, with over 1,300 enthusiastic attendees. The event commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam during World War II. Entertainment was provided by renowned Guam performers Jesse Bias and Ruby Aquininoc Santos, as well as captivating performances by the Guam Dance Academy under the guidance of Tun Frank Rabon, Guam’s esteemed Dance Master. Tun Frank and his troupe conducted a workshop, teaching traditional Guam dances to many Guam Society members and their families, further promoting the island’s rich culture and cherished traditions.
In 2020 and 2021, the Guam Society faced the challenging necessity to curtail its annual events due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, in 2022, the Guam Society made a triumphant return with its annual Liberation Picnic, held at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, VA. Attendees from across the east coast, the United States, and Guam came together for this significant event. Notably, the Honorable Lourdes Leon Guerrero attended the picnic, conveying warm greetings from Guam and its people as they embarked on a resurgence from the pandemic. In commemoration of the Society’s 70th anniversary, live music and performances were provided by Maseha Hafa, featuring Eric Borja and Raphael Kileleman, who entertained the picnic attendees with classic CHamorro tunes. The remarkable success of this event led the Society to select Fort Hunt Park as the permanent location for all future Liberation Picnics, ensuring a continuing legacy of cultural celebration and unity.
With a rich history spanning seventy years, the Guam Society of America has evolved into a distinctive civic, social, and non-profit organization within the National Capital region, uniting individuals who maintain ties to the beautiful island of Guam.
In April 2020, the Society achieved its coveted 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status with the Internal Revenue Service, underscoring its commitment to serving its community and promoting cultural preservation.
Dedicated to connecting friends and families, the Society and its members have diligently worked towards the preservation and promotion of Chamorro culture. Its mission has been to provide a fulfilling, enriching, and invaluable platform for those with an affinity for Guam in the National Capital Region. With unwavering determination, the Guam Society remains steadfast in its efforts to nurture the Chamorro culture and showcase Guam through its annual events in the Washington, D.C. metro area, thus upholding the original vision and purpose set forth by its esteemed founding members.