[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1451-E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE SERVICE OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA 
                                ISLANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. SABLAN.  Mr. Speaker, this year, for the first time, the people 
of the Northern Mariana Islands gathered to honor our Vietnam War 
veterans and their families, joining the rest of our nation in 
commemorating the 50th anniversary of that difficult and complicated 
chapter in American history. We remembered the sacrifice of the 58,220 
who died in theater, the 7.2 million Vietnam veterans still living, and 
the families of all 9 million who served.
  The Vietnam War was fought before the Northern Mariana Islands became 
part of the United States and before we, the people of the Marianas, 
became United States citizens. Yet dozens of our young men enlisted--or 
in many cases were drafted--into the U.S. Armed Forces to fight in 
Vietnam.
  This is a story not widely known outside our islands. Educational and 
economic opportunities were limited in the Northern Mariana Islands at 
that time. Young people seeking higher education or simply a better 
life sometimes moved to the nearby U.S. territory of Guam, to Hawai'i, 
or to the mainland United States for school or work. And it was from 
these new places of residence that they volunteered--or often were 
drafted--for military service.
  Unfortunately, the Department of Defense kept no records to tell us 
exactly how many young people from the Northern Mariana Islands were 
called into service during the Vietnam era. Home of record would have 
been listed as the location to which each of them had moved temporarily 
to improve themselves. So, we cannot today faithfully recite their 
names, when honoring their service.
  We do know of four from the Northern Mariana Islands, who died in 
combat in Vietnam. Their names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall in 
Washington, D.C.

[[Page E1452]]

  And we know at least 50 Vietnam veterans are alive in the Northern 
Marianas today. Some are the indigenous Chamorro and Refaluwasch people 
of our islands, who enlisted or were drafted out of Guam or a U.S. 
state. Some are veterans who later came from America to the Marianas 
and now call our islands their home.
  We know, too, that even if not United States citizens, soldiers from 
the Northern Mariana Islands served as bravely and honorably as their 
brothers and sisters in uniform, who were citizens. And we know that 
all--citizen and noncitizen alike--faced the same painful challenges of 
returning home from a war whose purpose was difficult to understand and 
which never resolved in victory.
  Yet, despite all their sacrifice and the pain endured, Vietnam 
veterans--in the Marianas and throughout America--continued to 
contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of our nation. They 
became teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, tradesmen, law enforcement 
officers, healers, or advocates. They are present throughout the life 
of our communities.
  They also supported each other, mentored younger veterans coming 
home, and shared their stories with civilians, who may not have 
otherwise had an understanding or appreciation of military service, or 
the realities of war. Indeed, it could be said that it is because of 
the example, leadership, and advocacy of the Vietnam generation of 
veterans that we, as a nation, do better today at supporting our young 
men and women in uniform, when they come home from war. But as these 
Vietnam vets would also remind us: we can do more.
  So, upon this 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War let us commit to do 
more to support America's warriors--in times of conflict, as well as in 
peace; when they put on the uniform in defense of our nation, and when 
they come home.

                          ____________________