Madeleine Bordallo: “as the congressional representative from Guam, it is my honor to join my colleagues in commemorating Asian Pacific…”

“as the congressional representative from Guam, it is my honor to join my colleagues in commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), the chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his outstanding leadership and for organizing this Special Order to recognize the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islander Americans to our Nation. Today as we celebrate ``Liberty and Freedom For All,'' and as thousands of American servicemen and -women continue to fight the global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are reminded of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. We reflect on the thousands of Asian and Pacific Islanders who are serving this country with honor and distinction in very dangerous circumstances. Mr. Speaker, I especially want to honor those who have given their lives to protect our freedom, including Guam's Army Specialist Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Vega, Sergeant Eddie Chan, Corporal Jaygee Meluat, and Specialist Jonathan Santoes, all servicemen from Guam who were killed in Iraq. I mention these heroes as a reminder that Americans in the territories stand shoulder to shoulder with their citizens when our Nation calls, and that we willing share the burdens and the sacrifices to preserve our freedom.…”