[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H509-H510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PRAYERS FOR THE BURNHAMS

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

[[Page H510]]

minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 264th day that Martin and 
Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the 
Philippines.
  Today is Valentine's Day, a day focused on celebrating love 365 days 
a year, not just on February 14.
  The Burnhams have a beautiful marriage and were on a trip celebrating 
their 18th anniversary when taken hostage by the Abu Sayaf group. Since 
then they have continued to remain devoted to each other. Martin often 
gives his food to Gracia, though neither of them has enough to eat. In 
a video in November, Gracia describes how she shouts ``I love you'' to 
Martin when they are caught in gun fire. She wants to be sure she gets 
to say it one last time.
  Martin and Gracia also greatly love their three beautiful children, 
Jeff, Mindy and Zach. They have missed Father's Day, Thanksgiving, 
Christmas, each child's birthday, and now this day, to celebrate love. 
In letters they have expressed their devastation at being separated 
from their children.
  Even during this awful nightmare, they have shared their love with 
each other and with others. Fellow hostages who have been released 
relate the Burnhams' attempts to encourage and comfort other captives. 
Gracia recited home recipes with other hostages to take their minds off 
the situation.
  As we contact our loved ones today, let us not forget Martin and 
Gracia Burnham. I ask that my colleagues join me in praying for their 
release so that they may continue to share their love with their 
children, their family, their friends, and others they meet.

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