Hagåtña, Guam – The Government of Guam officially kicked off the 75th anniversary of the Organic Act of Guam with a ceremony led by Acting Governor Josh Tenorio and attended by representatives from all branches of government, including Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, and Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood. Speakers also included Attorney Mike Phillips, the grandson of Baltazar “BJ” Bordallo, and Victor Lujan, the grandson of Carlos P. Taitano. The gathering marked a powerful and unified tribute to one of the most significant milestones in the island’s political history.
Signed into law on August 1, 1950, the Organic Act granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam and established a civilian government with a tripartite system, executive, legislative, and judicial, forever changing the course of Guam’s future.
“Seventy-five years ago, the Organic Act laid the foundation for a government on Guam by and for our people. It gave our families U.S. citizenship, established the Guam Legislature, and began a critical shift to let Guam govern itself,” said Acting Governor Tenorio in his remarks. “While we recognize the Organic Act as a beginning, not an end, it represents an essential chapter in our island’s ongoing journey.”
The 75th Anniversary of the Organic Act will be marked by a series of events throughout the month of July, culminating in the islandwide celebration on August 1st. Activities include proclamation signings, educational exhibits, historical panels, and the History Comes Alive festival at the Plaza de España.
“Today is not just about why laws are important. It’s about why our people are important most of all,” he added.
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