On March 28, the bipartisan group called Guam World War II Reparations Advocates, Inc. announced that they will be forming a non-profit that will file suit against the US government in attempts of receiving compensation and recognition for the suffering experienced during WWII.

This decision comes after many decades of failed attempts at seeking war reparations for the citizens of Guam. War reparations have been provided to other survivors of the very same war but the citizens of Guam received far less in comparison.

Led by Senator Frank Blas Jr., the bipartisan group includes many congressmen including Senators Jim Espaldon, Tony Ada, and Tina Muna Barnes. Guam Delegate Madeline Bordallo, who supports the groups actions, has brought up the issue numerous times in Congress. She has introduced the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act that has passed in the house five times but has yet to clear the Senate. 

During World War II, Guam was the one of the only pieces of American land occupied by enemy forces. Many natives of Guam endured two years of Japanese rule. As Senator Blas Jr.,, the nation of Guam is losing members of the island’s greatest generation on a daily basis and the US government should recognize and honor the suffering they endured.

The announcement has been covered in various articles including “Bi-Partisan Non-Profit Group to Sue Federal Government for War Reparations” by PNC News First. As stated in the article, the group will be represented by attorneys Mauricio Tamargo and Jason Poblete at PobleteTamargo LLP.