[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING GUAM'S MANAMKO' DURING SENIOR CITIZENS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the senior 
citizens of Guam who are celebrating a special month dedicated in their 
honor. I stand to commend and show appreciation for all they have 
contributed to our island of Guam, its people, and our Nation as a 
whole. I rise to pay tribute to them for teaching and imparting to our 
people a sense of patriotism and unwavering loyalty to this great 
Nation and American Democracy.
  Guam's senior citizens lived through the horrific experience of World 
War II on the only American soil occupied by an enemy force. Through it 
all, the people of Guam never lost faith in America. Always defiant and 
proud, their solemn hymn was ``Uncle Sam, won't you please come back to 
Guam.'' After the war, these proud Americans taught their children a 
love of democracy and freedom that carried them through battlefields in 
the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict, the Persian Gulf and now, the 
global war on terrorism.
  With this deep love of freedom and country, Guam's seniors were 
always the pillars of our island community. Through them the beautiful 
Chamorro culture is passed on to younger generations. They keep our 
island traditions, our language, and our ways of life alive and 
vibrant. They have taught our children the love of nature, the love of 
God and the love of family and neighbor and in so doing, ensure that 
our heritage will survive.
  Mr. Speaker, I honor the seniors of Guam, proud citizens who have 
participated in the growth of Guam as a showcase of American democracy 
in the Pacific. May every American remember and give honor to the 
forefathers who shaped this wonderful country and who were the 
architects and builders of a nation founded in the love of freedom and 
the inalienable rights of humanity. During this month dedicated to 
seniors, let us all honor these great Americans and say ``thank you.''

                          ____________________