[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H5069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTRODUCTION OF THE GUAM CENTENNIAL RESOLUTION
(Mr. UNDERWOOD asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, just this past Sunday I was on Guam for
the reenactment of America's first flag-raising ceremony on Guam. It
was on June 21, 1898 that a contingent of American officials, led by
Captain Henry Glass, raised the first American flag in the village of
Piti.
For many Chamorros, the native people of Guam, it was a time of
confusion and apprehension. No one knew how the new authorities would
affect the island. And others, after nearly 300 years of Spanish
dominion, were sorry to see the Spanish officials and soldiers be
whisked away.
However, one thing is certain. The people of Guam deserve the
recognition and commitment that the people of this body can provide in
commemoration of Guam's centennial anniversary.
For this purpose, today I am introducing a House Resolution which
calls on the House of Representatives to recognize Guam's service to
the United States and to reaffirm its commitment to Guam's request for
political status clarification. I have collaborated extensively with
the Democratic and Republican leadership of the House Committee on
Resources in formulating the language of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that 40 of my colleagues have
agreed to be original cosponsors of the Guam Centennial Resolution. Let
us commemorate Guam's 100-year relationship with the United States.
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