[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ALFREDO A. XERES-BURGOS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel 
Alfredo A. Xeres-Burgos, Sr., a Philippine National who has helped 
preserve a valiant moment in American history on the island of 
Corregidor, Philippines. Colonel Burgos has demonstrated unique 
perseverance and deserves our gratitude and recognition.
  May 6, 1998, will mark the 56th anniversary of the fall of the 
Corregidor to Imperial Japanese forces. For those who fought under the 
command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the heroic defense of Bataan and 
Corregidor against Imperial Japan and who survived the infamous Bataan 
death march and captivity in Japanese prison camps these memories have 
not faded. During these historic events and throughout the war, U.S. 
Marines and Filipinos displayed selfless sacrifice rivaling any other 
military units.
  Filipino and United States defenders of the Philippines engaged 
Japanese forces from the beaches of the Philippine islands to the last 
defense of Bataan and Corregidor in a grueling battle lasting 150 days. 
That defense compelled Japan to divert thousands of additional troops 
to the Philippines. In that defense, the members of the Filipino forces 
and their United States counterparts struggled against difficult odds 
and desperate circumstances and faced, with indomitable spirit, 
fortitude, and loyalty to America, powerful Imperial Japanese forces.
  Today, the island of Corregidor is a superb living monument to the 
courage of the American soldiers, sailors and Marines who defended it, 
and to the horror of war. Thanks to the initiative taken by Colonel 
Burgos, Corregidor is one of the most impressive of all WWII memorial 
parks to be found anywhere in the world.
  Colonel Burgos has repaired the battered road linking the gun 
batteries and bomb-shattered buildings of this fortress, Fort Mills. He 
has created informative signs, trained guides and organized tours and 
transportation while walking a fine line between preserving historic 
relics for the benefit of posterity and a benefit for tourists from all 
over the world. In 1995, Colonel Burgos served as the personal guide to 
President Clinton when he visited Corregidor. Most amazing is the way 
Colonel Burgos has persevered over the years in preserving this WWII 
island fortress despite a number of difficulties and inadequate 
funding.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize a member of my 
constituency who has worked hard to honor the legacy of Colonel Burgos: 
Robert F. Reynolds. Through his efforts, Mr. Reynolds has ensured that 
Colonel Burgos is recognized for his hard work and dedication to 
Corregidor.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Colonel 
Alfredo Xeres-Burgos for his dedication to Fort Mills and Corregidor. 
The American veterans who survived the Fall of Bataan and the Fall of 
Corregidor can be proud that we have not forgotten the battlefield 
where they so valiantly fought. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
thanking Colonel Burgos and wishing him many more years of success.

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