War in the Pacific National Historical Park was established on Guam in August  of 1978 to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and suffered during World War II in the Pacific. In order to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the National Historical Park, members of the park’s interpretive, maintenance, administrative, and resource divisions teamed up with the Arizona Museum Memorial Association to throw a unique birthday party in the park.

Wanting to really involve the public and the community in our birthday celebration, the 25th anniversary planning committee decided to host a “Movie in the Park” to mark a quarter of a century of the National Park Service’s presence and involvement on Guam. While the outdoor movie screening was delayed one week from its originally scheduled date due to a tropical depression which passed Guam lashing the tropical island with wind and rain, the night of August 22nd offered pleasant temperatures and a gentle breeze throughout the duration of the movie.

The movie screen was huge and it was suspended from two huge coconut trees in the historical Asan Bay Beach unit. The coconut trees majestically bordered the big screen and nearby blowing palms really epitomized and captured Guam’s tropical beauty. As the sun set on eastern side of the ocean, the stars began to come out and the sunlight dimmed to allow for the opening credits to begin.

The movie which was projected was the “Fighting Seabees” which starred John Wayne. Ali Spittler, an interpretive ranger who has worked at the park for almost three years said of the “Movie in the Park” event, “we thought it would be a good way to honor (those who served) and it would remind the people of the parks and bring them out by showing the movie”. Spittler continued to say, “The idea is really cool, it’s romantic and it’s never really been done on Guam before. We also wanted to make people aware of the history by sticking with a movie in the theme of the park- Seabees had a big role in the Pacific during World War II and still have a big role in the Pacific and Guam now”.

Fruit drinks, water, and all you could eat popcorn was also an added bonus to the free movie screening. Guam’s residents and park visitors kept remarking what a wonderful idea the movie was and they are enthusiastic for the next screening. Santa Rita resident Jay Mesa said of the event, “This is really good clean fun for the family because we’re out here in an open environment, enjoying the fresh air and the movie. It’s a good way to spend a Friday night”.

War in the Pacific was pleased and proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Park staff was happy to be able to remember the events of the Pacific Theater and grateful to be able to provide entertainment, education, and relaxation to the park’s community.

Photo courtesy of the Pacific Daily News. This photo was published with the permission of the publisher of the Pacific Daily News, Guam . Any republication of these photos without the explicit permission of the Pacific Daily News is in violation of federal copyright laws.