Commemorating liberation from Japanese rule in 1944, this holiday marks the day U.S. Marines and Army started a counter-assault to reclaim the island from over 18,000 Japanese troops garrisoned there since shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After 19 days of fierce fighting and thousands of casualties and wounded on both sides, the island was declared secure on August 10, 1944.

Annual celebrations usually include a parade, carnival, marathon run, memorials and fireworks