[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1470]]
                   ANGEL ANTHONY LEON GUERRERO SANTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former Guam 
Senator Angel Anthony Leon Guerrero Santos, III, a tireless champion of 
the rights of the Chamorro people. Sadly, Angel passed away on July 6, 
2003 after suffering from a degenerative illness.
  Angel was born on April 14, 1959 to Amanda Leon Guerrero Santos and 
Angel Cruz Santos II. He was father to Angel Ray Anthony Santos IV, 
Sheila Marie Santos Indalecio, Christopher Ray Pangelinan Santos, 
Vanessa Joy Gumataotao Santos, Francine Nicole Gumataotao Santos 
(dec.), Brandon Scott Gumataotao Santos, Taga Hurao Santos-Salas, 
Ke'puha Hirao Santos-Salas, and Sosanbra Elisha Santos-Salas.
  Angel was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served three 
terms as a Senator in the Guam Legislature. His belief in the 
inalienable right of the Chamorro people to self-determination and his 
dedication to preserving the language and culture led to the 
establishment of Nasion Chamoru of which he was a founding member and 
spokesman.
  Angel was well-known for his outspoken stance on cultural, 
environmental and human-rights issues. But he will perhaps be most 
remembered for his efforts to return lands taken after World War II. It 
was this battle that led him to successfully pursue a seat in the 23rd, 
24th and 26th Guam Legislatures where he authored Guam Public Law 23-
141 which mandated the return of excess lands to the original 
landowners.
  Angel fought passionately against issues that stirred much debate. 
Whether it was land rights or corruption allegations, he was outspoken. 
When he felt there was an injustice, he fought against it. He often led 
causes that were controversial. Sometimes those issues made him 
unpopular with some people. But he loved his home and his people. In 
every community, people always need someone to stand out in front to 
lead against those controversial issues, and Angel was that man. His 
courage in the face of opposition, the strength of conviction and 
determination to succeed made him a hero to the Chamorro people and 
earned him the respect of those around him.
  As we mourn the untimely passing of Guam's native son, Angel Anthony 
Leon Guerrero Santos, III, let us remember his inspiring words:

       We cannot be passive or silent when human beings endure 
     suffering or humiliation. We must step forward and take 
     sides. We must assist immediately. At times, we may fail. At 
     times, we may make mistakes. But we must never make the 
     mistake of failing to try. People deserve nothing less.--
     Angel Santos, 1994
       Generations will come and generations will pass, but if no 
     generation has the conscience, the courage and moral 
     conviction to right the wrong doings of the past; then, the 
     next generation will have to live with the same injustices of 
     the future.--Angel Santos, 1999

  On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend our deepest sympathies and 
prayers to his family and friends of Angel Anthony Leon Guerrero 
Santos, III. Adios Angel. Si Yu'us Ma'ase.

                          ____________________