[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSE M. TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of the late Jose M. Torres. Jose Torres was a son of Guam and a member 
of our greatest generation who suffered the occupation of Guam during 
World War II. Jose passed away on September 28, 2015 at the age of 88. 
He was also an author, radio show host and medical researcher who 
shared his deep love for Guam and our people.
   In February of 2015, Jose's memoir of his World War II experiences 
was published by the University of Guam Micronesian Area Research 
Center. His book, ``Massacre at Atate'', tells the story of a brave 
battle he fought in against the Japanese during the Japanese occupation 
of Guam.
   Jose wrote the story and had it published to preserve a very 
important part of Guam's history and have it shared with future 
generations. He had joined a group of men from the village of Merizo 
who lost their families when Japanese soldiers massacred them in nearby 
caves. Jose was the youngest of the group and joined the men in helping 
the U.S. Navy by providing intelligence on the Japanese occupiers and 
giving updates on the situation facing the Chamorros. The battle 
demonstrated the strength and perseverance of the Chamorro people, 
especially during such a difficult time and with barely any weapons.
   Jose also served the island as a medical researcher with the 
National Institutes of Health. Jose's team studied the high rates of 
Parkinson's disease, Dementia, and Lou Gehrig's disease on Guam. 
Additionally, Jose will be remembered fondly for his love of classical 
music which he demonstrated through hosting the two-hour radio program 
``Classical Concert'' on Guam's public radio.
   I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jose M. Torres, and I join 
the people of Guam in celebrating his life and recognizing his 
dedicated service to Guam. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, 
loved ones and friends. He will be missed, and his memory will live on 
in the hearts of the people of Guam.

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