Political Quotes

“I would like to ask my colleagues to join me here as I deliver this eulogy for a former Member of Congress. I rise to pay tribute to the late Vicente ``Ben'' Garrido Blaz, Guam's former Congressman and a retired brigadier general in the United States Marine Corps. Ben passed away last night at the age of 85. Ben was a longtime friend whose lifetime of service to Guam and our Nation has been an inspiration to generations. As a survivor of the Japanese occupation of Guam during World War II, Ben had a strong sense of patriotism and duty to our country. He was commissioned as an officer of the Marine Corps in 1951 and went on to become the first Chamorro to achieve the rank of brigadier general. In 1984, Ben was elected to serve in this House of Representatives, where he represented the people of Guam for four terms. Throughout my time in Congress, Ben has been a strong source of support and guidance. I am grateful for his counsel and friendship, and I will miss him dearly. I join the people of Guam mourning the loss of Congressman Ben Blaz. Our thoughts and prayers are with his sons, Mike and Tom, and their families. I now ask for the House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Congressman Blaz. I thank my colleagues who have joined me here, Mr. Speaker. ____________________”