Stories of the War
Pacific Historic Parks produced short film vignettes featuring children recounting the lives of individuals who were on Guam during World War II. These short films offer insight into the lives of CHamoru people during the war, provide historical context of World War II in the Pacific, and highlight the strength and resilience of the people of Guam.
Agueda I Johnston
Mrs. Agueda Iglesias Johnston was a respected educator and community leader. During World War II, she retrieved information from people who listened to hidden radios and secretly shared news with other CHamorus so they would know how the rest of the world was doing. News of the war gave them hope that the Americans would one day return to Guam. Agueda did more than risk her life; she was cruelly beaten and made to suffer by the Japanese because they suspected she was loyal to the United States. After the war ended, she was a pioneer in Guam’s education system and helped to rebuild schools from the ashes of war. She also instrumental in establishing July 21st as a celebration day to commemorate the Liberation of the island from the Japanese.
Joaquin Limtiaco
World War II between the United States and Japan started on Guam in December 1941. For two and a half years, the CHamorus had to obey the new rules the Japanese forced on them. Mr. Joaquin Aflague Limtiaco had the misfortune of being picked to complete tasks on behalf of the Japanese commanders. Many of these duties put Joaquin in danger, risking anger from the Japanese and betrayal from his fellow CHamorus. Joaquin did an extraordinary job in balancing ways to help CHamoru people and save them from the Japanese while convincing the Japanese into thinking he was serving them. He did this, knowing it could have cost him his life.