Political Quotes

“the Spanish-American War, which we are in the 100th year commemorating this year, was not a self-contained event. To the contrary, those events 100 years ago have far-reaching consequences today. The fact that I am standing here representing Guam, speaking from the floor of the House, is testimony to the effects of the Spanish-American War. Guam's American journey began on June 20, 1898, when Captain Glass, U.S. Commander of the USS Charleston, accepted the surrender of Spanish forces based on Guam. From that initial point, our relationship with the U.S. has progressed from an island governed by the Navy Department and subjected to travel restrictions to an American unincorporated territory with a democratically elected local government. However, the people of Guam continue to strive for political development, and since 1988, Guam has continually requested a new political status, a Commonwealth with the United States. Unfortunately, this next step in our political development has not yet been fully addressed. The centennial anniversary is a time of reflection for our island.”