To paraphrase Chamorro Studies scholar Vince Diaz, Liberation Day is covered with a “thick veneer” of meaning.15 On the surface it appears to be a very simple celebration. This is only true however at first glance. When one looks more closely it is difficult not to see the mass of complexity and contradiction in the event and how it is commemorated. The problem however is that the simplistic veneer often helps keep the event unanalyzed. The enthusiastic ways in which Chamorros celebrate Liberation Day obscure much about the nature of the event itself. As Chamorros are not forced to celebrate the day or compelled by any outside force to remember July 21st 1944 in a certain way, it is easy to assume that it is unnecessary to give it any extra critical thought. Chamorros are willing, gleeful participants in this commemoration, what is there is analyze when clearly the thousands that show up for each parade are the answer? In her article “Psyche Under Siege” Laura Souder Betances argues that Chamorros become attached to the US and to Uncle Sam through their war experience by integrating their experiences into their existing cultural beliefs dealing with reciprocity. For her the return of the US was understood through the Chamorro concept of chenchule’. According to Guampedia, the most comprehensive online resource for information on Chamorro and Guam history: Chenchule’ refers to the intricate system of social reciprocity at the heart of ancient and contemporary Chamorro society. Chenchule’ is a support system of exchange in which families express their care and concern for each other, as well as a sense of obligation to each other while working together to help each family meet its needs. It signifies the core Chamorro value of mutuality expressed in innumerable ways and is meant to sustain the integrity of the Chamorro family and community. Chenchule’ is further rooted in the core value of inafa’maolek that promotes interdependence within the community so as to provide for the well-being of the whole, rather than that of the individual.16
15 Vicente
M. Diaz, Repositioning the Missionary: Rewriting the Histories Colonialism, Native Catholicism, and Indigeneity in Guam, (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2010), 27.
16
Kelly G. Marsh, MA and Julian Aguon, ' Chenchule’: Social Reciprocity', referenced August 1, 2012, © 2009 Guampedia™, URL: http://guampedia.com/chenchule/
108 ・ Marianas History Conference 2012