[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 81 (Monday, May 15, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Moylan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOYLAN. Madam Speaker, while there are certainly many important 
issues to celebrate and recognize during the month of May, one that 
definitely hits home to me is that May is when our Nation celebrates 
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. I stand with honor 
and pride to celebrate my district, my community, and my home, the 
beautiful island of Guam.
  Guam is an island community proudly displaying an American flag in 
the midst of the Pacific region. Guam is home to a diverse and vibrant 
community. We are a melting pot consisting of Chamorros, Filipino 
Americans, Asian Americans, Micronesians, and so many other beautiful 
ethnicities.
  In Guam, we embrace the spirit of inafa'maolek, which is to make 
good, or in the larger scheme of things, to restore harmony or order.
  We are an island of respectability, from taking care of our elders to 
ensuring our neighbors are okay. We are also a welcoming community, as 
servicemembers assigned to Guam can proudly share their stories of 
being invited to village fiestas.
  This month we honor and reflect on our island's unique history, 
culture, diversity, and contributions to our Nation's history and 
development.
  We are an island of patriots and proud Americans, many of whom have 
served in the U.S. Armed Forces during wars and conflicts. On a per 
capita basis, we have among the highest number of enlistments in the 
Nation.
  Guam is also proud to be home to veterans, once again, among the 
highest per capita. Our proud veterans hope to be provided the same 
care that their brothers and sisters receive on the mainland.
  In fact, the island remains one of the Pacific's most strategic 
assets holding key military installations and is also a vital component 
of the INDOPACOM theater.
  As a Pacific Islander, I am proud to be continuing a tradition of 
holding a seat in the sacred Halls of democracy where I can proudly 
stand and represent my community. It is a tradition which started with 
the late Delegate Antonio Won Pat and continued through the works of 
the late Delegate and General Ben Blaz, Delegate Robert Underwood, 
Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, and my predecessor, Delegate Michael San 
Nicolas. Each did their job ensuring that Pacific Islanders were 
represented with honor and dignity.
  As we will certainly have many discussions over this term to discuss 
the inequities our community faces as American citizens, today I wanted 
to rejoice in the celebration that I represent Pacific Islanders who 
are proud, welcoming, and who always display the Hafa Adai spirit.
  I want to reflect on the hardworking islanders who have contributed 
to the growth of Guam and our region, from the levels of commerce, 
education, farming, healthcare, public service, engineering, and so 
much more. Many of them have relocated throughout the Nation to become 
integral contributors of so many districts represented by many Members 
of Congress.
  Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month reminds us of the 
immense contributions to the Nation's history and culture while 
encouraging us to learn more about their extraordinary and diverse 
stories, stories I look forward to sharing with my colleagues 
throughout this term.
  Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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