Political Quotes

“while the rest of the Nation has turned its attention to other matters, we on Guam are still reeling from the worst air disaster of our island's history. On August 6, 1997, a Korean Air 747 en route from Seoul crashed into a hill 3 miles short of the runway of the Won Pat International Airport on Guam. The jet carried 254 people, with 227 having perished. I rise today to express the condolences of the people of Guam to the victims' families. We share their pain most intimately not because the crash occurred on Guam, but also because the people on that plane were not entirely strangers. Amongst the dead, eight were returning Guam residents of Korean decent. Amongst the survivors, there were four returning home. I would also like to draw this body's attention not only to the grieving families, but also to the men and women who spent countless hours in search and rescue efforts as well as family assisting actions. The NTSB's efficient investigation of the airline's crash is exemplary. However, a tragedy of this magnitude leaves many questions unanswered. I strongly urge a public hearing on the crash of KAL 801 to be held on Guam.”