Del. Michael San Nicolas, accompanied by Frank Rabon, master of CHamoru dance, and Northern Marianas Del. Gregorio Sablan, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Tuesday in Arlington, Virginia, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Guam from the Japanese occupation.
For the first time in the history of these ceremonies, the wreath-laying preceded military honors with CHamoru honors, in a blessing led by Rabon, who is also referred to as a master of chant, San Nicolas' office stated.
Army Maj. Gen. Paul Chamberlain also joined the ceremony.
San Nicolas described the ceremony as "a powerful tribute to a powerful history shared, and the ultimate respect paid."
The annual wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
San Nicolas said it was “powerfully emotional and humbling to have such high CHamoru and American honors rendered for our people.”
(Daily Post Staff)
