HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Christmases Not Forgotten is back by popular demand, and event organizers hope to bring holiday cheer to World War II survivors.
In its fourth year, the Christmases Not Forgotten event is anticipated to draw nearly 80 manåmko’ who survived World War II.
“In the beginning we were only supposed to have three (events) because they missed three Christmases during the war, but at the third one they said, ‘Can we just do it again?’” Willie Flores told The Guam Daily Post. “It was their idea in the beginning when we talked about the memorials and all the bad memories of war then we asked them: … what did you most miss? They said, ‘We really miss family events, getting together with family and Christmases.’ That’s how the idea was born.”
The event is hosted by the Manenggon Memorial Foundation, which, earlier this year, hosted memorials at the various concentration camp sites in honor of those who died during the war.
“The biggest thing is that we get together. The memorials that we hold are kind of a somber time for reflection. What we want to do is get the war survivors together and have a good time, kind of, recollect when times were better,” Flores said.
Santa Claus will make an appearance with gifts in hand for the manåmko’ and a lineup of Guam musicians will be there to entertain.
“One of the sad notes this year is the late Kin Concepcion, KC, he was really looking forward to continuing to take part in the celebration. It’s something that the other musicians are moving forward with. But it’s going to be a fun time, interactive events and activities for the manåmko’,” Flores said.
“Last year, we had 70 to 80 (people) show up, and this year we think we are going to have almost the same number. We lost some, obviously, just over the last few years, but so far we have at least 60 already signed up,” he said.
The oldest attending survivor last year was Tan Lucia McDonald who was in her late 90s.
“It’s very gratifying when we are with them. We seldom think we are walking among real-life war heroes, people who have gone through something we could never imagine. … Just being with them and looking at how they’ve rebounded and vowed to live life in spite of that terrible time, it’s really an honor to serve them,” Flores said.
While the events are a fun time for the manåmko’, there’s also a lot to learn.
“The interaction has taught me personally … we all have faults and shortcomings, and despite being whatever issues people have with each other, the notion that we all come together as part of humanity and as Guam and for these special occasions we can put everything aside and celebrate together,” Flores said.
The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the main ballroom at Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the event ending at 3 p.m. Tickets are available through the Manenggon Memorial Foundation Facebook page.
“Auntie” Lucia McDonald, 96, the oldest war survivor present, leads everyone in saying grace during the Manenggon Memorial Foundation 2022 Christmases Not Forgotten event in honor of Guam’s World War II survivors Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at the Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning.
