Todd Tiahrt: “before terrorism literally hit home on September 11, two fellow Kansans, two fellow Americans, had already been held…”

“before terrorism literally hit home on September 11, two fellow Kansans, two fellow Americans, had already been held hostage by Muslim terrorists for over 3 months. On May 27, 2001, Martin and Gracia Burnham were snatched out of bed in a Philippine vacation resort and taken hostage by Muslim terrorists, the Abu Sayaff group, which has al Qaeda ties and a brutal disregard for human life. A third American, Guillermo Sobero of California, was also taken hostage and subsequently beheaded in June by the terrorists. Martin and Gracia are all that remains of the group of 21 hostages taken in May. It has been 8 long months for them and their family, especially their three young children, Jeff, Mindy and Zach. The Burnhams have lost considerable weight and have suffered from malaria, artillery wounds, eye infections and numerous sores and cuts. I ask my fellow Members of Congress and my fellow Americans to pray for the safe and swift release of Martin and Gracia Burnham from this endless nightmare.”