Liberation Day is observed in Guam every July 21, commemorating the start of the Second Battle of Guam in July 1944. This holiday marks the restoration of American administration after the island was captured by Japan in December 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Guam, which was under Spanish control until 1898, was bloodlessly captured by the United States during the Spanish-American War. The island's challenging geography, including reefs and cliffs, posed obstacles for attackers, yet American forces successfully landed on Guam on July 21, leading to the battle that lasted until August 11. Today, Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the USA, where residents celebrate Liberation Day annually to honor their history and heritage.