ASAN, GUAM

'Asan' is a village located on the western shore of the U.S. territory of Guam. The municipality of Asan-Maina combines Asan with Maina, a community in the hills to the east. It was a primary landing site for U.S. Marines during Guam's liberation from the Japanese in World War II. Asan Beach Park is part of the War in the Pacific National Historic Park.

Contents

Etymology

History

Activities

See also

References

Etymology

Asan and Maina are located in the ''Luchan'' (Western) District. Asan derives its name from the word "hassan," meaning scarce or rare. A meaning of the word “ma’ina” deals with an infant who, between the time of his birth and his baptism, is taken by his mother to a church mass before sunrise; this ritual considered the presentation of the child to the temple or church.

History

On July 21, 1944 the Americans landed in Asan to recapture the island from occupying Japanese forces during the Battle of Guam. The 3rd Marine Division landed in Asan at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 LVTs, but by 09:00 tanks were ashore at both beaches. American marines fought Japanese forces fortified in the hills above the shore after establishing a beach head. During the following week, Americans pursued retreating Japanese forces northward and eventually won the battle.

Activities

Every year the island's largest Easter egg hunt is at the War in the Pacific National Park with over 10,000 eggs.
The village also hosts the yearly International Kite Flying Competitions with people from South Korea, Japan, China, Guam, and the CNMI competing for the championship.

See also

★ Villages of Guam

References

1. http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn174.html