Opinion by John A. Ananich II for Kandit News & Views
The relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam is not just another military movement—it’s a pivotal moment in our island’s history. This shift is more than logistical; it is cultural, societal, and generational. For an island as small yet deeply significant as ours, this is an opportunity—and a challenge—that will define how Guam is remembered by our children, their children, and beyond.
As a son of Guam and a combat veteran, I have had the privilege of standing under two flags: the flag of Guam on one shoulder and the American flag on the other. That dual identity has shaped my understanding of this moment. I have seen both sides of this relationship: the pride of being rooted in our Chamorro culture and the discipline of adapting to a military environment. This isn’t just about two communities coexisting; it’s about building something greater—together.
But let’s be real: Guam is far from ready. And if we don’t prepare now, this transition could leave scars that linger for generations.
The Marines Are Prepared—But What About Guam?
Let’s start with the Marines. They aren’t just “moving in.” This relocation has been meticulously planned for years. If you know anything about the military, you know that preparation isn’t optional; it’s the mission itself.
• They’re mapping Guam: scoping out hiking trails, beaches, parks, and community spaces.
• They’re studying Guam: learning Chamorro traditions, our history, and our values to better integrate.
• They’re securing Guam: preparing logistics, ensuring safety, and investing in their most critical resource—their people.
The Marines are disciplined. They’re efficient. And they’re ready.
Now let’s take a look at us. What have we done to prepare? Are our roads ready? Are our public spaces welcoming? Have we even started educating our people on what this relocation really means—both the challenges and opportunities? Right now, the answer is no. And time is running out.
Lessons from Our History
This isn’t the first time Marines have been stationed here. Let’s not sugarcoat it—the last time, it didn’t end well. The relationship between Guam and the military became strained, marked by tension, misunderstanding, and resentment. The Marines overstayed their welcome. Locals felt disrespected and displaced. We fought them, they fought us, and we fought amongst ourselves.
Now we’re standing at the same crossroads. If we don’t learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. And let me tell you: Guam cannot afford to fail again.
We have had decades to reflect on that chapter. If we truly learned from it, where is the evidence? Why do our roads still crumble? Why do our public spaces look neglected? Why are we so unprepared for a moment we’ve known was coming for years?
Maila Halom: A Campaign for Readiness and Unity
If we want this transition to succeed, we need to act—not tomorrow, not next month, but today. And we need a clear, unified strategy to make it happen. That strategy starts with “Maila Halom” (Come In), a campaign that’s about more than just welcoming the Marines. It’s about showing the world—and ourselves—that Guam is ready to lead.
Here’s an idea of what it should look like:
1. Clean Our House
• Repair our roads, upgrade our infrastructure, and fix failing systems.
• Beautify public spaces with fresh paint, trimmed sidewalks, and clean parks. At the very least, put fabot, cut the grass.
• Showcase the pride we hold in Guam through tangible improvements that locals and visitors alike can see and feel. (If we present a Guam that looks neglected and disrespected, how can we honestly expect visitors to think of it any differently?)
2. Educate and Prepare Both Sides
• For Marines: Provide cultural training on Guam’s history, traditions, and values. Teach them how to respect our land and our people.
• For Locals: Educate our community about the Marines’ mission, their contributions, and the opportunities they bring. Ignorance breeds division—knowledge builds bridges—
3. Create a Shared Narrative
• Use the “Maila Halom” campaign to share stories of integration—Marines eager to relocate and locals ready to welcome them.
• Spread this narrative through billboards, commercials, social media, and community events. Make it loud. Make it heartfelt. Make it impossible to ignore.
4. Host Community Events
• Organize cultural fairs, sports competitions, and joint service projects where Marines and locals can meet, bond, and build trust with one another.
• Create spaces for meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding before tensions arise.
5. Form a Leadership Task Force
• Establish a team of local leaders, cultural experts, and military liaisons to oversee this transition.
• Address challenges proactively, and ensure every decision reflects the values of Guam and the needs of our people.
The Stakes Are High
Let’s not mince words: the stakes couldn’t be higher. We’re not talking about just a hand-full of people here—5000+ Marines. Bulala TaoTao. Chamorro pride is unmatched. Marine discipline is unyielding. If these two forces collide without preparation, the fallout will be disastrous. But if we rise to the challenge, this can be a defining moment in Guam’s history—a partnership rooted in respect, growth, and shared success.
A Call to Action: Leaders and People, Maila Halom!
To Guam’s leaders: What are you waiting for? The Marines are ready. Why aren’t we? This is not a drill. This is not an afterthought. The time for forward thinking was yesterday. Treat this transition with the urgency and passion you bring to your own campaigns. Launch “Maila Halom” now.
To the people of Guam: Let’s show the world what Chamorro hospitality truly means. Let’s clean our house, show our pride, and take ownership of this moment.
This isn’t just about welcoming the Marines—it’s about Guam. It’s about creating a legacy of resilience, unity, and pride for our children. It’s about building an island that reflects the strength and values we hold dear, one we can all be proud to call home. Let’s rise to the occasion and ensure we don’t leave future generations to bear the weight of our shortcomings.
When the sun sets over our island, casting its golden rays across our shores, we’re reminded of who we are: a people of strength, resilience, and unmatched beauty. This is our moment to shine—not just for the Marines, but for ourselves. Stand up Guam!
Let’s come together, build together, and rise together.
But let’s be honest—some of you will never fully adjust to this integration. And that’s okay. I understand. Change is hard, especially when it feels like it’s being forced upon you. The memories of past struggles, the fear of losing our identity, and the uncertainty of what this transition means for Guam are real and valid.
But here’s the thing: while it’s okay to feel hesitant, it’s not okay to let those feelings divide us. We don’t have to agree on everything. We don’t even have to fully embrace this change in the same way. But we do need to come together in some sort of capacity, shape or form—for the sake of our island, our children, and our future.
Whether you’re for it or standing on the sidelines, we can find common ground in one truth: Guam is our home. It’s our shared responsibility to protect it, preserve it, and prepare it for what’s ahead. You don’t have to love this transition. You don’t even have to like it. But; we need you to be a part of it in whatever way you can.
Because if we stand divided—if we let our differences tear us apart—then we’ve already lost. But if we unite, even just a little, we can turn this moment into something we’re proud of, not something we resent.
So, let’s come together—not as people who all think the same way, but as people who love this island and want what’s best for it. Let’s build something better, even if we don’t all see the path forward collectively. Guam needs us, all of us, moving forward, even if at different paces. Let’s make this work—together.
“Todu, ti guaha guinifen pat chållan kabales na metgot para u suha i minahgong-ña i taotao Chamorro. Todu hit, fanohge Chamorro!”
“Maila Halom!”
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John A. Ananich II is a local small businessman, U.S. Army and combat veteran, former Guam Police Department officer, and resident of Dededo.