[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 28101-28102]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 228TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES 
                              MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, November 10th will mark the 228th 
Anniversary of the

[[Page 28102]]

founding of the United States Marine Corps. To mark the occasion, I 
would like to submit for the Record a special tribute to the Marines 
who participated in the Liberation of Guam written by Retired Brigadier 
General and former Delegate from Guam, the Honorable Vicente Tomas 
(Ben) Blaz.
  Ben was a teenager during World War II when Japanese Imperial forces 
invaded and occupied Guam in December 1941. During the Liberation of 
Guam in July 1944, he was captured by a Marine Patrol of the 9th Marine 
Regiment and later released upon confirmation he was a native Chamorro. 
Years later, he would serve as Commanding Officer of the same Regiment.
  He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Notre Dame where 
he was later honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also 
holds a Master's Degree from the George Washington University and a 
Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Guam. In addition he is a 
distinguished graduate of the Naval War College. In 1992, he was 
recognized as an Outstanding Asian-American in Public Service.
  After a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, which included 
being awarded the Legion of Merit (twice awarded), the Bronze Star 
(with Combat V), Navy Commendation Medal (twice awarded), the Combat 
Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Gold Star) 
General Blaz retired and returned to Guam in 1980.
  In 1984, the People of Guam elected him to Congress where he served 
with distinction for four terms. During his time in office, Congressman 
Blaz began the difficult task of addressing the unfinished business of 
World War II, the issue of war reparations for the people of Guam. He 
brings a unique perspective to this issue as a survivor of the 
Occupation of Guam, as a Marine, and as a public servant. Today, 
Congressman Blaz is a statesman respected by the People of Guam and a 
strong moral voice for our times. His insight is reflected in the 
following essay which conveys his deep love for our island and his 
profound admiration for the liberators of Guam.
  Few people have achieved so much in one lifetime as General Blaz. I 
am honored to enter his essay into the Congressional Record so that all 
Americans may come to appreciate the men and women who wear the eagle, 
globe and anchor of the United States Marine Corps. The People of Guam 
honor all those who serve our nation in the armed forces, but in our 
hearts, first among equals, are the Marines, Guam's liberators, for 
whom our main street is named ``Marine Drive''.
  On this 228th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corp, I submit this 
tribute written by one of the Corps' finest, Brigadier General (Ret.) 
Vicente Tomas (Ben) Blaz.

               A Moving Moment of Silence on Marine Drive

                             (By Ben Blaz)

       The news that the Marine Corps Drive Rededication Act is 
     scheduled for introduction in the Guam Legislature on 
     November 10 brought a smile to this manamko's face. It 
     sharpened the focus in my mind on an episode that took place 
     during the Liberation Day parade in 1958.
       As Commanding Officer of a company of Marines at the 
     Barracks, I had the honor of leading them in the parade. For 
     the special event, we decided to wear combat clothing and 
     carry packs and weapons much like the liberators did. 
     Participating in this annual observance and remembrance was a 
     new experience for my men as it was for me in my role as 
     their commander.
       It is not unusual for those in a parade staging area to be 
     a little edgy before a march. But the march that day was not 
     part of a football rally or a Little League parade. 
     Symbolically, we were following in the footsteps of a long 
     line of heroic Marines of World War II, many of whom fought 
     and fell where we were gathering. It was a sobering thought 
     that prevailed over a solemn occasion.
       The parade route was different. As always, it was festive. 
     Spectators lined both sides of Marine Drive stretching from 
     Adelupe to East Agana. Most of them had survived the war and 
     had vivid recollection of the enemy occupation. Whatever 
     animosity they harbored, however, it was subdued that day. 
     The crowd cheered loudly for everyone and everything that 
     moved before them. All the villages had a float and every 
     military service was represented in the parade--including 
     marching bands.
       As the parade was about to start, I braced myself against 
     the possibility of emoting publicly. When we entered the 
     parade route, the crowd roared. As we approached the 
     reviewing stand full of military and political dignitaries, I 
     gave the traditional command to salute, ``Eyes Right.'' At 
     that instant, as though directed to do so on cue, the crowd 
     ``returned'' our salute with deafening silence.
       For a few minutes, the only audible sound was from our 
     boots pounding the pavement in unison. Just a few years 
     earlier, similar boots pounded the original road all along 
     the coast as Marines charged from their landing crafts, 
     crossed the road under heavy gunfire, and fought their way 
     inland against an entrenched enemy. For 1200 Marines, it was 
     to be their last crossing. About 6000 of their comrades 
     returned to the beach on stretchers.
       My effort to control my emotions failed. I was marching 
     solely on disciplined automation. Although tears swelled, I 
     was able to connect with the faces in the crowd, young and 
     old. Without uttering a sound, I heard the message radiating 
     from their faces--of appreciation, of admiration, and of 
     affection--for the Marines passing in review, for whom Marine 
     Drive was originally dedicated. I, a liberated son of Guam, 
     had the privilege of marching at that parade with a company 
     of United States Marines who were, in effect, my liberators.
       In the ensuing years, I have participated in Liberation Day 
     parades as a general officer of Marines and as a Member of 
     the U.S. Congress. But, I was never again to feel and embrace 
     a moment such as I did that day in 1958.
       I tip my hat to Senator Bob Klitzkie, himself a Marine, and 
     to his fellow Senators for sponsoring the bill to rededicate 
     Marine Drive. It is a magnanimous expression of remembrance. 
     Unlike the typical inanimate monoliths that serve as 
     memorials and centerpieces at annual ceremonies, Marine 
     (Corps) Drive is a living memorial, a touchstone, a reminder 
     to future generations how dearly we paid for the freedom we 
     enjoy.
       Happy Birthday, Marines!

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