Dozens of former Sumay residents and descendants gathered to remember their deceased loved ones during an All Souls Day Mass at the Sumay Cemetery aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam Nov. 2.

Prior to World War II, Sumay played an important role in Guam’s economic growth, evolving from a fishing community to a hub for shipping, agriculture and communications.

NBG Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey Grimes said the annual memorial Mass is meaningful for all service members as it provides an opportunity for the community to remember their loved ones.

“It’s a huge honor for us all,” he said. “Every time I have the great pleasure to be down here and see the returning people and how they’re doing every single day, have a few minutes to reflect on, not only the past, but on the future, it shows the real reason we’re here on Naval Base Guam and the great partnerships we have with our community.”

Santa Rita Mayor Dale Alvarez expressed how appreciative the local people are to have access to the base during these momentous occasions.

“It’s very important to (the local residents) every time we have something down here,” he said. “It shows their gratitude for the military to let us in. They feel free, like they’re back home. “The military has been very helpful and I want to thank them.”

Alongside many other volunteers, Chief Master-at-Arms Jeremy Richardson of Coastal Riverine Group 1 Det. Guam took pride in helping prepare for the event as he witnessed the family visitations and service.

“I think it’s great and fantastic that it gives me the opportunity to help prepare the way for them,” he said. “It also gives a unique opportunity to speak with them and get first-hand (or) second-hand accounts of the kind of experiences that happened on Guam during the World War II era.”

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