[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ANTONIO MANGLONA BORJA

  (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, they say only the good die young. I don't 
know if only the good die young, but I do know that Antonio Manglona 
Borja from the island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands was a 
very good man, and I do know that Antonia Manglona Borja has died much 
too young.
  Tinian is a small island with a small number of families. Everyone 
knows everyone. And no one who lives there can fail to touch the lives 
of others. But some people have an impact on the community that is 
outsized, that makes their presence--and their absence--of greater 
significance.
  Antonia Borja made his presence felt in so many ways: as an officer 
of the Department of Public Safety; as someone deeply involved with 
youth and adult sports; as a public representative on boards and 
commissions. Most of all, he was always there to give a hand to friends 
and neighbors in need.
  Antonia Manglona Borja, Mr. Speaker. He was a good man. He died too 
young. And we all will miss him.
  Mr. Speaker, They say only the good die young. I don't know if only 
the good die young. But I do know that Antonio Manglona Borja from the 
island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands was a very good man. 
And I do know that Antonio Manglona Borja has died much too young.
  So I rise today to honor him on the floor of the U.S. House of 
Representatives in the hope that knowing that Antonio was recognized in 
this way will give some comfort to his parents--Elias Manibusan Borja 
and Rosa Manglona Borja, to his wife--Bernadine Palacios Borja, to 
their children--Anthony Silvestre, Kristine, and Dennis--and to all 
Antonio's many friends and family members who miss him.
  Mr. Speaker, Tinian is a small island with a small number of 
families. Everyone knows everyone. And no one who lives there can fail 
to touch the lives of others
  But, of course, some people have an impact on the community that is 
outsize, that makes their presence--and their absence--of greater 
significance.
  Antonio Borja made his presence felt in so many lives. As an officer 
of the Department of Public Safety, he helped to keep the peace on 
Tinian. He was there in moments of crisis and trauma for his community. 
He helped others and held them safe, when they were most in danger, 
most in need.
  Mr. Borja learned the job of Public Safety Officer from the ground 
up, beginning as recruit in 1985 and quickly moving up the ranks to 
Captain in just nine years time. And Mr. Borja took what he learned as 
an officer and continued to contribute to the welfare of his community 
after his retirement nine years ago.
  He was deeply involved with youth and adult sports. He served on the 
board of public corporations. Most of all, he was always there to give 
a hand to friends and neighbors in need.
  Antonio Manglona Borja, Mr. Speaker. He was a good man. He died too 
young. And we all will miss him.

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