[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 123 (Thursday, October 5, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9938-S9939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TAIWAN CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, next Sunday marks the eighty-
ninth birthday of the Republic of China, which now resides in Taiwan. 
This representative government arose from a revolution against an 
archaic imperial system. In 1911, Chinese patriots ousted

[[Page S9939]]

the Qing dynasty, and ignited the promise of economic and political 
freedom for Chinese nationalists throughout the world.
  National Day, or the shuang shi, is the most important national 
holiday in Taiwan, for it celebrates not only a critical military 
victory, but a wealth of principles which, to this day, guide the 
governance of Taiwan--particularly: resistance to dynastic tyranny, 
embrace of free market enterprise, development of western-style 
political institutions, and ultimately, the evolution of a fully 
thriving democratic republic. After repeated set-backs, on October 10, 
1911, the revolutionary Wuch'ang Army successfully launched a revolt 
against China's imperial regime. The nationalists would no longer 
tolerate property seizure and suppressed individual rights. Without a 
supreme sovereign reigning over the country, China plunged into a civil 
war. Although never truly resolved, this conflict stalemated in 1949, 
when Communists expelled Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalists to 
present-day Taiwan.
  After emergency martial law was lifted in 1987, the groundwork was 
finally laid to realize the cardinal objectives of Taiwan's founding 
father, Sun Yat-sen--to establish a representative Republic of China. 
In 1992, Taiwan held its first democratic legislative elections, 
followed by presidential elections in 1996. In March of this year, 
Taiwan held her second presidential elections, installing a wholly 
independent, man of the people as the leader of Tawain--Chen Shui-bian. 
This man embodies the spirit of the new Republic of China on Taiwan. As 
mayor of Taipei, Chen Shui-bian cleaned up the capital city, attacking 
organized crime and other illicit industries. As a political dissident, 
he stood strong in the face of efforts to muzzle him. In this year's 
election, he inaugurated a new political order for his people.
  In addition to Chen's fair elections, Taiwan has much to celebrate. 
As Taiwan enjoys her various National Day festivities--the huge 
parades, dazzling entertainment, and explosive fireworks displays--let 
us all celebrate the birth of true democracy in Taiwan. We salute our 
friends on that great island--the people of Taiwan. Please join me in 
saying to them Shuang shi kwai ler.


                    Honoring Our Fallen Firefighters

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, firefighters from across the Nation 
who died in the line of duty will be remembered during the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 7th and 8th at the 
National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. As in years past, the 
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency will sponsor the nation's tribute to these valiant 
public servants.
  The 106 firefighters to be honored this year include seven 
Californians. On behalf of the people of my state, I want to remember 
each of them in turn:
  Matthew Eric Black, 20, a volunteer with the Lakeport Fire Protection 
District, died on June 23, 1999 when he accidentally came in contact 
with a downed power line during operations at a grass fire. His older 
brother is also a firefighter.
  Stephen Joseph Masto, 28, a career firefighter with the Santa Barbara 
Fire Department, died on August 28, 1999 of heatstroke while working as 
an EMT at a wildland fire. He received the Outstanding Cadet Award at 
Rio Hondo Fire Academy and received a service award as a volunteer at 
Upland Fire Department.
  Tom Moore, 38, a career firefighter with the Manteca Fire Department, 
died on June 16, 1999 after suffering severe trauma in a training tower 
fall. He had served with the department for over 14 years and was a 
well-known fire service instructor specializing in heavy/confined space 
rescue and hazardous materials.
  Karen J. Savage, 44, a volunteer firefighter/EMT with Hawkins Bar 
Volunteer Fire Department in Burnt Ranch, died on October 16, 1999 from 
injuries sustained in a vehicle accident at the scene of a wildland 
fire.
  Martin Michael Stiles, 40, a California Department of Corrections 
inmate assigned to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Strike Team, 
died on July 18, 1999 of injuries from a fall while working at a 
wildland fire in Ventura County, California. A San Diego native, he was 
dedicated to wildland firefighting and loved the outdoors.
  Tracy Dolan Toomey, 52, a 27-year veteran firefighter with the 
Oakland Fire Department, died on January 10, 1999 in the collapse of a 
burning building. A Vietnam veteran, he was an avid welder and a member 
of the California Artistic Blacksmith's Association.
  Edward E. Luttig, 54, a member of the Sacramento Fire Department, 
died on September 10, 1990 from injuries sustained 23 years earlier 
while searching for survivors in an apartment fire. Sacramento 
firefighters donated their time and money to support Mr. Luttig and his 
family during those 23 years. His name is being added to the Memorial 
at the request of his friends and former colleagues.
  These fallen heroes paid the ultimate price for their devotion to 
public service and safety. They are an inspiration to us all, as are 
the men and women who continue to protect Americans from fire and other 
emergencies.

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