In the words of Jayvee Elomina, the primary contact during the commission process of this piece, “The concept of Inafa' Maolek describes the CHamoru [Chamorro] concept of restoring harmony or order. The literal translation is ‘to make’ (inafa’) ‘good’ (maolek).”

Paraphrasing additional information provided by Mr. Elomina, Operation New Life was a humanitarian effort in 1975 to process and care for Vietnamese refugees evacuated before and after the Fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War. More than 111,000 Vietnamese refugees were transported to Guam, where they were housed in tent cities for a few weeks while being processed for resettlement. Most of these refugees were resettled in the United States, while a few thousand were relocated to other countries or chose to return to Vietnam.Now, 50 years later, there are displays throughout Guam, with events, gatherings, and celebrations to commemorate this gargantuan effort to care for and relocate the Vietnamese refugees.

The operation was part of a broader evacuation effort, including Operation Babylift and Operation Frequent Wind, which aimed to rescue individuals closely associated with the U.S. during the war. Guam played a crucial role in providing temporary asylum, with Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam serving as key locations for housing and processing refugees.While in Guam, necessities were provided to all as they sorted out an uncertain future.

It was a significant moment in history, reflecting both the challenges and the compassion involved in large-scale refugee resettlement. The people of Guam and the USA embracing the spirit of Inafa' Maolek by assisting all these people in their time of need, getting them away from chaos and restoring harmony in their lives by giving them a chance at a New Life.

The music is overall celebratory in nature.There are moments of reflection, inspired by reading individual accounts of the days fleeing from Saigon after its fall.Now, 50 years later, these US citizens look back to the life-changing events that drove them to the United States.

Toward the end of this composition is an allusion to a piece of music composed in 2023 titled “Bridges, Op. 136,” written during and after a musical tour through northern Vietnam.That work celebrates the strategic partnership that exists between the United States and Vietnam.It includes extensive use of bell-tones, reminiscent of Vietnamese gongs.

It is hoped that harmony will continue to exist between these two nations, and indeed spread to all others throughout the world, “to make good” (Inafa’ Maolek)!