‘Sea of Souls’ shrine rededicated, ceremony honors WWII sacrifice
Vanessa Wills - For Variety | Oct 6, 2023
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The restored Guam Chinkon “Sea of Souls” shrine was rededicated this weekend. Sen. Amanda Shelton presented Resolution 194-37, recognizing the collaboration between citizens of Guam and Japan, to honor the sacrifices made during World War II hostilities.
Shelton spoke about the communities on the island that partook in the restoration effort. “The restoration and rededication of the Guam Chinkon “Sea of Souls” Shrine was made possible through the generosity of local families and businesses who are culturally connected to Japan - and our Japanese friends.”
“This selfless expenditure of time and resources serves as an example to all people everywhere of the degree of peace and understanding that can be achieved when these endeavors are undertaken cooperatively by the descendants of the former enemies of war.”
A representative of the Association to Keep the War from Fading Away and adviser to the Guam Requiem Shrine Veneration Association, Ken Haga, shared how the memorial service is held annually for those who died during World War II in the Pacific islands, highlighting Guam.
"We have nothing to do with politics or religion and our sole purpose is to remember the sacrificial spirit of the war dead and to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” Haga said.
Alongside Shelton at the ceremony were Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, Vice Speaker Tina Muña Barnes, Sens. Roy Quinata and Dwayne San Nicolas, representatives from the consular corps and military officials from Joint Region Marianas. Mio Sugita of the Japan House of Representatives, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, offered remarks during the ceremony.