[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           DRAGON BOAT RACING

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, this Memorial Day weekend Washington will 
see the traditional Taiwanese sport of dragon boat racing right here on 
the Potomac River, featuring eight magnificent Taiwan-built dragon 
boats. Each boat is fully equipped with dragonhead and tail, paddles, 
steering oar and drum, and holds a crew of 23. Some 40 teams, including 
those from the D.C. Police Department, Harbor Patrol Officers, and 
congressional staff members will compete in the race on Saturday, May 
25, and on Sunday, May 26, 2002. Prior to the start of the race, there 
will be a traditional opening ceremony at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 25, 
at Georgetown's Thompson Boat Center. The opening ceremony will be 
highlighted by the dotting of the dragon's eye. Mayor Anthony Williams, 
Chairwoman Linda Cropp of the D.C. City Council, Representative C.J. 
Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office and 
other community leaders will dot the dragon's eye, a ceremony to ensure 
good luck and fortune.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see the Dragon Boat Festival Committee 
has put together such a wonderful dragon boat-racing program this 
Memorial Day weekend. Dragon boat races are held around the world, 
particularly in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many other Asian 
countries. The race demonstrates wonderful team spirit, pageantry, and 
fun for people young and old. Coincidentally, this event celebrates 
Taiwanese American Heritage Week in the month of May. Furthermore, this 
event also shows the friendship of Taiwanese Americans for the people 
not only of Washington, DC, but of the entire Metropolitan area. Their 
sincere desire to introduce Taiwanese culture to American society must 
be acknowledged and appreciated. It is my hope that this dragon boat 
race will attract many more tourists to the Washington, DC, area.
  My congratulations to the Dragon Boat Festival Committee. This is a 
unique opportunity for all of us to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival 
and to learn about the many distinguishing aspects of Taiwanese culture 
and heritage.

                          ____________________