[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE GUAM SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

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                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, as the nation marks the ninetieth 
anniversary of the city of Tokyo's original gift of 3,000 cherry trees 
to the people of Washington, D.C. in 1912, 1 also would like to take 
the time to recognize the fiftieth anniversary of an organization 
centered around the annual celebration of the National Cherry Blossom 
Festival. Fifty years ago this year, the Guam Territorial Society was 
organized under the Congressional charter to the Conference of State 
Societies. The advent of this organization brought together former 
residents of Guam living in Washington, D.C. and the suburbs of 
Virginia and Maryland. A special venue for these people was made 
available to gather through receptions, dinners, picnics, and a host of 
other events.
  Since its inception, the society and its members have been 
responsible for making sure that Guam was represented by a princess in 
the National Cherry Blossom festival. On two instances, the Guam 
princesses were crowned National Cherry Blossom Queens--Angela Alley in 
1982 and Tanya Monique Manibusan in 1993. Its affiliation with the 
National Conference of State Societies (NCSS), enabled two of the 
organization's past presidents to become NCSS presidents. General Frank 
Torres as NCSS president during the 1974-75 term while Mr. William 
Barbee, Jr. Served during the 1986-87 term.
  Along with its NCSS affiliation, the society has been an active 
participant of the National Organization of Pacific Island Association 
(NOPIA) and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Council (APAHC). For 
years, it has co-hosted the annual Pacific Night reception which brings 
together the various nations from the Pacific region. In addition, the 
society has supported and established a working relationship with 
Chamorro Clubs all over the United States and abroad.
  The society's commitment to Guam and its people is strongly 
manifested by the assistance and support it extends to the office of 
the delegate of Guam, the offices of the governor and lieutenant 
governor of Guam, the Guam Legislature, and the many Chamorro men and 
women in the United States Armed Forces. An instrument in bringing 
people from Guam together, the society hosts the largest Chamorro 
gatherings in the East Coast during Memorial Day, Liberation Day and 
the Annual Chamorro Night Ball. Its members put together annual 
children's Christmas parties for member's children and their guests and 
hosts receptions for the Guam Close-Up kids who come to visit our 
nation's capital.
  In 1986, the Guam Territorial Society was reorganized to become the 
Guam Society of America, Inc. (GSA). The organization's name might have 
undergone a slight change but its commitment to Guam, its people, its 
culture and its traditions has endured. It has since organized Chamorro 
Language conversational classes and has established a scholarship fund. 
The annual Guam Society of America Golf Tournament is a fundraising 
event that goes towards these worthwhile efforts.
  GSA promotes Guam's age-old tradition of placing high regard upon its 
elders. The blessings we enjoy today were made possible through their 
labors and their guidance. It is with great pride and pleasure that I 
join the society's endeavor this year to honor our manaina. Along with 
the society's principal organizer, the Honorable Carlos Taitano, 
special individuals from the D.C. area such as Jose and Bride Bamba, 
Roman Benavente, Juan and Matilde Cruz, John Flores, Brigida Lizama, 
Margarita S. Perez, Joseph and Margaret Sablan, Isadora Taitano, Jose 
Taitano, Vicente Torres, George and Rosita Eustaquio, my predecessor, 
Ben Blaz, and his wife, Ann, possess the wisdom and pass along the 
knowledge regarding our culture and traditions on to future 
generations.
  For the past fifty years, the Guam Society of America has developed 
into a unique civic and social club for individuals in the National 
Capital region who have retained ties to the island of Guam. The 
society and its members have brought together friends and family 
through its efforts towards the preservation and promotion of Chamorro 
culture. As the Guam Society of America celebrates its golden 
anniversary, we also take the time to honor our manaina--esteemed 
individuals who have laid the foundations and through whose leadership 
and guidance the society is able celebrate this milestone today. I also 
commend Linda Perez, the society's president, Cindy Atoigue, its vice 
president, Annie Rosario, its secretary and Doris Yanger, its 
treasurer, who along with the society's many members made this 
celebration possible. On behalf of the people of Guam, I commend and 
congratulate the Guam Society of America, its members, and, most 
especially, the manaina. The past fifty years have been fruitful, 
rewarding and beneficial to the friends of Guam in the National Capital 
region. My wife, Lorraine, and I wish the society many more such years.

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