Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a son of Guam whose life's work has helped preserve, strengthen, and carry forward the cultural identity of the CHamoru people--Master of CHamoru Dance Frank Rabon.

Recently, Frank Rabon was named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. This recognition is not only well deserved--it is deeply meaningful for Guam's people.

For more than four decades, Saina Frank Rabon has dedicated his life to preserving and revitalizing Bailan CHamoru, the traditional dance, chant, and storytelling practices of the CHamoru people. Through his work as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and cultural leader, he has helped ensure that future generations remain connected to their language, heritage, and ancestral identity. Culture survives because people choose to carry it forward. And few have carried the responsibility of cultural preservation with the same dedication, humility, and impact as Frank Rabon.

His work has touched countless lives across Guam and throughout the CHamoru diaspora. Generations of dancers, educators, and cultural practitioners have learned from his teachings and continue to share that knowledge with pride in communities across the Mariana Islands, the continental United States, and beyond.

As founder of Guma Taotao Tano', Frank Rabon helped create a space where culture could be lived, practiced, and passed on--not as history confined to books, but as a living expression of who we are as a people.

His choreography and cultural leadership have represented Guam on international stages for decades, including the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, where he helped showcase the strength and beauty of CHamoru traditions to the world.

What makes this honor especially powerful is that it recognizes something the people of Guam have long known: Preserving culture is essential work. It is the work of protecting our identity. It is the work of protecting language, stories, values, and traditions that connect generations together.

At a time when many Indigenous traditions around the world face the risk of being forgotten, leaders like Frank Rabon remind us that culture remains strongest when it is taught, shared, and lived openly within the community.

This recognition by the National Endowment for the Arts places Guam and the CHamoru people on a national stage and highlights the richness of our island's cultural heritage. Frank Rabon becomes only the second artist from Guam to receive this prestigious fellowship.

For the people of Guam, this moment is a source of tremendous pride. We are proud of the legacy he has built. We are proud of the generations he has inspired. And we are proud that the traditions of the CHamoru people continue to be carried forward with dignity and excellence.

I thank Master Frank Rabon for his lifelong dedication to our culture, our people, and our island. I congratulate him on this historic and well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Guam State Council of the Knights of Columbus as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary of faithful service, charitable outreach, and dedication to the people of Guam.

For the past twenty-five years, the Knights of Columbus on Guam have exemplified the values of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism through their unwavering commitment to serving others and strengthening our island community.

Across Guam, the Knights have supported parish communities, organized charitable initiatives, assisted families in times of hardship, and volunteered countless hours to causes that uplift and strengthen our people. Their work has touched lives throughout our island and reflects a deep commitment to faith, compassion, and community service. This milestone anniversary is not simply a celebration of years, but a celebration of the people behind the mission--the men, families, chaplains, and volunteers who have dedicated themselves to serving something greater than themselves.

Organizations like the Knights of Columbus play an important role in preserving the values that continue to define Guam: faith, family, service, and community responsibility. Through both large efforts and quiet acts of kindness that often go unseen, the Knights have helped foster a spirit of unity and compassion throughout our island.

The Guam State Council has also served as a source of mentorship and fellowship for generations, encouraging leadership rooted in humility, integrity, and service to others. Their example reminds us that strong communities are built not only through words, but through consistent acts of generosity and care for one another. At a time when many communities face division and uncertainty, the continued work of the Knights of Columbus stands as a reminder of the importance of coming together in service and shared purpose.

Today, we recognize not only the accomplishments of the Guam State Council Knights of Columbus as an organization, but also the lasting impact they have made on countless lives across Guam over the past twenty-five years.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my sincere congratulations and deepest gratitude to the officers, members, chaplains, volunteers, and families of the Guam State Council Knights of Columbus for their faithful dedication and service to our island community.

May God continue to bless their mission and guide their work for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Manuel, best known as Manny, Duenas, a beloved son of Guam and one of the strongest voices our island has ever had for its fishing community.

For decades, Manny was more than the president of the Guam Fishermen's Cooperative. To many, he was the face of the Hagatna Boat Basin and the heart of Guam's fishing industry.

Whether greeting fishermen before sunrise, helping them load the day's catch, or advocating at public meetings, Manny dedicated his life to protecting a way of live that has sustained our islands for generations.

He understood that fishing on Guam was about far more than commerce. It was culture. It was family. It was tradition. It was a connection between our people and the ocean that surrounds us.

Manny spent his life defending that connection. He championed local fishermen through challenging regulations, economic challenges, and environmental concerns.

He worked tirelessly to ensure that Guam's fishermen had a seat at the table and that their voices were heard whenever decisions affecting our waters were being made.

But perhaps what made Manny special was his belief in stewardship. Long before sustainability became a widely used term, he was teaching the importance of protecting our marine resources for future generations. He believed that preserving our waters and preserving our culture went hand in hand.

Those who knew Manny remember not only his determination, but also his warmth. He welcomed visitors, mentored young fishermen, shared stories, and helped countless people understand the importance of Guam's fishing heritage.

He was a teacher, an advocate, a leader, and a friend.

Today, Hagatna Boat Basin will feel a little quieter. The fishermen who worked beside him, the families who relied on him, and the community he served so faithfully will deeply feel his absence.

Yet, his legacy remains. It remains in the stronger fishing community he helped build. It remains in generations of fisherman he inspired, and it remains in the waters he worked so hard to protect for those who will follow.

On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my deepest condolences to Manny's family, friends, and the entire Guam fishing community. I thank him for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to our island.

May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue to guide future generations of Guam's fishermen.

``Thank you, Manny''; ``Si Yu'os Ma'ase', Manny.''

Recognizing Frank Rabon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master of CHamoru Dance Frank Rabon of Guam, who was recently named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

For more than 40 years, Frank Rabon has dedicated his life to preserving and

revitalizing CHamoru dance, chant, and cultural traditions across Guam and the Mariana Islands. Through his leadership, teachings, and choreography, he has helped generations of CHamorus remain connected to their language, heritage, and identity. His work has strengthened cultural preservation efforts not only on Guam but throughout the CHamoru diaspora and across the Pacific region.

This recognition is a proud moment for our island and a testament to the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future generations. I thank Mr. Frank Rabon for his lifelong dedication to the CHamoru people, and I congratulate him on this historic honor.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of former Mangilao mayor, Nito Castro Blas, who passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 89.

Mayor Blas was a proud veteran, devoted public servant, and beloved member of the island community. For nearly 28 years and seven terms as mayor of Mangilao, he dedicated his life to serving the people of Guam with humility, compassion, and integrity.

To many, he was a trusted leader, a familiar face in the village, and someone who genuinely cared for the people around him. Before entering public office, Mayor Blas proudly served our Nation in the United States Navy, carrying the values of duty and service throughout his life.

His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on the village of Mangilao and our island community.

I extend my deepest condolences to the Blas family, his loved ones, and the people of Mangilao during this difficult time.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize an outstanding educator from Guam whose leadership is shaping the next generation of young Americans.

Mr. Vincent Santiago of Okkodo High School has been named the 2026 Marine Corps Junior ROTC Instructor of the Year, a tremendous honor that reflects both his excellence as an instructor and a commitment to service through mentorship.

Through the Marine Corps JROTC program, he has helped mold young men and women into leaders of character, teaching them to serve something greater than themselves.

On Guam, where patriotism and military service run deep within the island community, educators like Mr. Santiago play a vital role in preparing our youth for success.

I congratulate Mr. Vincent Santiago on this well-earned recognition. Guam is proud of him. Our students are stronger because of him, and our future is brighter because of leaders like him who dedicate their lives to guiding the next generation.

Mr. Chair, as the designee of Ms. Plaskett, I rise to speak in support of the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, aquaculture has the potential to transform island economics and nutrition. By encouraging small-scale and commercial aquaculture, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands could lower the cost of fresh, nutritious food, increase food self-sustainability, and drive down reliance on foreign imports.

This amendment simply directs USDA to consult with Guam and U.S. Virgin Island agencies to identify locations in the islands, our islands, that are suitable for the development of aquaculture small businesses, including water quality assessments, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.

This study is the foundation to developing sustainable aquaculture sectors, and I urge my colleagues to support the territorial aquaculture and vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan amendment.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague's support. I look forward to moving this measure forward, and I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Marietta P. Vicente--affectionately known as Mayette--upon her retirement after 33 years of dedicated public service to the people of Guam through the Guam Waterworks Authority.

Marietta began her career in public service 1993, at a time when the Guam Waterworks Authority operated as the Public Utility Agency of Guam, or PUAG. From those early days to the present, she built a career defined by professionalism, reliability, and a deep commitment to public service.

For more than three decades, Marietta served with distinction in the Finance Division of the agency, ultimately retiring as Payroll Supervisor. In this critical role, she was responsible for ensuring that employees were compensated accurately and on time--an essential function for any organization, and particularly for a public utility that serves the entire island community.

Behind every reliable public service system are individuals whose work often happens quietly, but whose contributions are indispensable. Payroll operations are a prime example of that reality. The work requires precision, accountability, and constant attention to detail, and Ms. Vicente carried out those responsibilities with dedication and care throughout her career.

During her tenure, she also played an important role in modernizing the agency's payroll operations. She helped guide the transition to new financial and payroll systems, including JD Edwards World and later JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. These system upgrades strengthened operational efficiency, improved accountability, and enhanced internal controls within the organization--changes that continue to benefit the agency today.

Her knowledge of the system and her commitment to excellence earned the respect of her colleagues and leadership alike. Over the years, she became a trusted resource within the Finance Division and an important part of the institutional knowledge that helps sustain effective public service.

Ms. Vicente's story is also a reflection of Guam's diverse and resilient community. Originally from San Jose City in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines, she has made Guam her home for the past forty-four years. Today, she resides in the village of Yigo, where she has built both a career and a life rooted in service to our island.

Her success in public service has been supported by the love and encouragement of her

family. She is joined in celebrating this milestone by her husband, Arnoll M. Vicente; her children, Nicollette V. Velasco and Neal Keanu P. Vicente; and her father, Rosalino Paez. She also honors the memory of her late mother, Lilia Paez, whose guidance and values helped shape her life of dedication and service.

After more than three decades of hard work and commitment, Ms. Vicente retired March 6, 2026. In retirement, she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with her family--an opportunity that is well deserved after so many years devoted to public service.

Her career reminds us that the strength of our institutions rests on the dedication of individuals who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that essential services continue to operate smoothly and reliably for the people they serve.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Marietta P. Vicente for her outstanding contributions to the people of Guam and to extend my sincere appreciation for her many years of service. I wish her and her family a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize a distinguished service member, a proven leader, and a proud daughter of Guam--Richelle Monique Calvo Esperanza--on the occasion of her promotion to Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. This selection represents one of the highest achievements within the enlisted force. It is a distinction earned by a select few--those who have demonstrated not only technical expertise, but sustained leadership, integrity, and the trust of those they serve alongside.

Chief Master Sergeant Esperanza currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 71st Force Support Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. In this role, she leads a team of over 140 personnel-- military, civilian, and contractors--supporting more than 7,000 Airmen and their families while managing millions of dollars in resources critical to mission readiness.

Her responsibilities span everything from personnel and family support to education, readiness, and casualty services--work that directly impacts the strength and resilience of our force.

But beyond the scope of her responsibilities is the journey that brought her here. Chief Master Sergeant Select Esperanza hails from Santa Rita, Guam. After graduating from Guam High School in 2007, she made the decision to serve--enlisting in the United States Air Force in April 2008.

Over the past 18 years of service and counting, she has built a career marked by steady progression, increasing responsibility, and operational excellence. She has served at the squadron, group, and wing levels. She has deployed in support of Operations New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and Spartan Shield, contributing directly to U.S. military operations abroad. She has also distinguished herself academically-- earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in management while completing the Air Force's most rigorous professional military education programs. Her record reflects not just competence, but excellence--recognized through numerous awards, including Senior Non- Commissioned Officer of the Year honors and a distinguished graduate distinctions throughout her career. But what makes this moment especially meaningful is what she represents.

For Guam, a small island with a deep tradition of military service, leaders like Chief Master Sergeant Select Esperanza are a source of immense pride. She represents the values we hold close: service, humility, resilience, and a commitment to something greater than oneself. She represents the generations of families in Guam who have answered the call to serve. And she represents what is possible when talent, discipline, and opportunity come together. She is also grounded in family. She is married to Second Lieutenant Emery Esperanza, himself a prior enlisted Airman who recently earned his commission. Together, they are raising two children, Emelia and Emery, continuing a legacy of service and leadership. She is the daughter of Ricardo and Carmelita Calvo of Santa Rita, whose pride today is shared by the entire island of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, at a time when our Nation depends on strong, capable leadership within our Armed Forces, the promotion of leaders like Chief Master Sergeant Select Esperanza sends a clear message--that excellence is honored, and that leadership matters. Her journey, from Guam to the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, is not just a personal achievement. It is a reflection of the strength of our communities and the enduring contributions of Guam to the defense of our Nation.

I congratulate Chief Master Sergeant Select Richelle Monique Calvo Esperanza on this extraordinary milestone. We thank her for her service, we honor her leadership, and we do so with immense pride as she continues to represent Guam and our Nation with distinction in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas, as we approach the anniversary of his passing on April 7, 2025.

Major San Nicolas lived a life defined by service--service to this Nation and to our beloved island of Guam. His story reflects a generation of individuals who stepped forward when called and carried that responsibility with quiet strength.

A proud son of Guam, he was shaped by the values that define our island--respect for others, resilience in the face of hardship, and a deep sense of responsibility to family and community. These values guided him as he answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps.

During his military career, he took on leadership roles that required not only skill, but trust. He served during the Vietnam era, demonstrating discipline, courage, and a steadfast commitment to those he led. Notably, Major San Nicolas made history as the first CHamorro commissioned officer to command Marines on Guam. This achievement reflects not only his professional excellence, but also the barriers he helped break and the path he helped pave for future generations of leaders from our island.

Leadership in the Marine Corps is earned, not given and he earned that trust through integrity, capability, and a deep sense of duty. But what makes his legacy especially meaningful is that his service did not end when he returned home.

Following his military career, he continued to serve the people of Guam. In Talo'fo'fo and beyond, he remained engaged in community and civic life, contributing in ways that strengthened the island he loved. His leadership was steady and often quiet--grounded not in recognition, but in responsibility. He represented a kind of leadership that is deeply felt across our communities--a reliable presence, someone who showed up, who contributed, and who led by example.

Major San Nicolas' life reflects a broader story--one shared by many from Guam who served in uniform, returned home, and continued to give back. It is a story of humility, of resilience, and of a lifelong commitment to others.

As we reflect on his life, we are reminded that service does not end after we are gone, it lives on in the values we uphold, in the communities we strengthen, and in the example we set for future generations. Major San Nicolas embodied that commitment. His life was one of purpose, discipline, and enduring service. His contributions-- both in uniform and at home--leave a lasting imprint on our island.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We recognize that behind every life of service is a family that shares in that sacrifice. We hope they find comfort in knowing that his legacy continues to live on in the community he helped shape.

Mr. Speaker, today we honor more than a memory, we honor a life that continues to guide us. With immense gratitude, we honor the legacy of Major Irenio Borja San Nicolas--a Marine, a leader, and a proud son of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone, the 75th anniversary of Pacific Daily News, known across Guam for generations as simply PDN.

Since its founding in 1950, PDN has chronicled the life of our community, documenting our triumphs, our trials, and everyday moments that define who we are. From Guam's postwar rebuilding to the growth of our civilian government, from typhoons and crises to celebrations and milestones, PDN has remained a constant and trusted source of information.

It has ensured that Guam is not invisible. It has carried local voices to far corners of the world and connected our island to the broader community. For many beyond our shores, PDN has been their first window into life on our island.

Behind every headline are dedicated reporters, photographers, editors, and staff who work under tight deadlines and challenging conditions to serve the public.

Seventy-five years is a measure of trust earned, credibility built, and service rendered.

I congratulate Pacific Daily News on this milestone and thank them for their enduring service to Guam. ``Long live''; ``Biba,'' PDN.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Emelio Uy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Emelio Uy, a man whose contributions to Guam will be remembered for generations.

Emelio was more than just a respected businessman. He was a community builder, a mentor, and a quiet force for good whose generosity touched families, organizations, and entire communities across our island. His leadership was never about titles. It was about people, about lifting others up, and about stepping forward whenever there was a need.

Through his work with the Ayuda Foundation, the Lions Club, the Red Cross, and many other civic efforts, he showed us what it means to serve with humility and heart. He was also a pillar of Guam's Filipino- American community, strengthening cultural pride and supporting generations of leaders who credit him for guiding and encouraging them.

Emelio leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the people of Guam. To his family, we extend our deepest condolences and our gratitude for sharing him with all of us.

May we remember Emelio Uy not only for what he accomplished but how he lived--with kindness, integrity, and profound love for his community. May his memory continue to guide and inspire us.

Recognizing Former Governor Carl Gutierrez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez as an extraordinary son of Guam, who has been awarded one of Japan's highest imperial honors: the Order of the Rising Sun. This distinction, rarely given and never lightly, honors individuals whose lives reflect exceptional service and commitment to international friendship.

Governor Gutierrez earned this recognition through decades of work

strengthening the relationship between Guam and Japan--efforts rooted not only in policy but in humanity and compassion. During his tenure from 1995 to 2003, he helped deepen economic cultural ties that support thousands of families and reinforce Guam's role as a bridge between the United States and the Asian-Pacific region.

We recognize former Governor Gutierrez for his lifetime of service, for strengthening the bonds between the people of Guam and Japan, and for reminding us that leadership at best is defined by humanity.

The greatest honor of all is not a medal but the enduring friendship between nations and the lives impacted along the way. I thank Governor Gutierrez.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the introduction. I am very happy and pleased to be a cosponsor of this measure.

As we know, human trafficking is modern-day slavery, Mr. Speaker, and traffickers abuse and exploit millions of victims, especially children, girls, and women, all for commercial gain. This is a serious problem around the globe, Mr. Speaker, and even here at home.

We must do more to raise awareness of this crime.

The U.S. Department of Labor is on the front lines of detecting human trafficking. In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline's data showed that there were 21,865 victims, and that is only what we know was reported.

Mr. Speaker, one in six endangered runaways is a likely victim of child sex trafficking. We have a moral and ethical obligation to empower Federal agencies to prevent, detect, and address these horrific crimes.

This bipartisan, commonsense bill raises awareness of human trafficking and establishes effective and timely educational programs to train Department of Labor personnel.

This bill establishes a framework for employees to assist law enforcement, requires reports to Congress on the scope of the issue, and ensures U.S. DOL personnel have the tools they need to detect forced labor and sexual exploitation when they investigate labor law violations.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for this measure to help address, prevent, and crack down on this terrible practice.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Chairman Walberg, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Guam's students and strongly urge my colleagues to vote for my bill, H.R. 6472.

This bill delivers a targeted approach to make college more affordable, strengthen workforce pipelines, and support critical national security efforts in the U.S. territories.

H.R. 6472 provides tuition rate guarantees to U.S. nationals who live in Guam, CNMI, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. High costs associated with education in the States, not ability, limit educational opportunities for students in the territories.

None of our islands have doctorate, law, or medical degree programs. Lack of access to these programs leads to workforce shortages in critical sectors. Lowering barriers to access will lead to greater capacity building in the territories.

Some examples of past folks are: Honorable Peter C. Siguenza, who attended California State University and returned home after law school to become Guam's first Chief Justice.

Then there was the late Dr. Chris Perez, who went to UC San Francisco, who came home to be a good doctor for the island.

There was also our first president of the University of Guam, Dr. Antonio Yamashita, who attended the University of North Carolina.

We currently have leaders on our island, such as Dr. Enriquez, who is the president of our University of Guam. She attended the University of Maryland.

We also have Dr. Aguon, who attended the University of Hawaii and is now running our Guam Memorial Hospital, and our Governor ``Lou'' Leon Guerrero attended UCLA.

Every doctor and lawyer in Guam studied elsewhere, returned home, and has made an incredible impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is about empowering our residents to seek degrees that we need but are not available at home and to return home to strengthen our communities.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill, our students, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Judy Selk Flores, recipient of the Guam Council of the Arts and Humanities Agency's Lifetime Cultural Contribution Award, an artist whose lifework has shaped Guam's cultural landscape and preserved the soul of our island.

Dr. Flores came to Guam as a child in 1957 and made this island her home. She learned the CHamoru language, immersed herself in our traditions, and devoted her life to preserving Guam's rich cultural identity. At a time when much of our heritage risked being lost, she chose to safeguard it through living, breathing art.

Through batik and visual storytelling, she captured island life, family, and tradition, turning memory into something tangible that our people can carry forward. She did more than create art. She built community. As a founding member of the Guam Visual Arts Guild and the founder of Guahan Art, she opened doors for young artists, teaching them to have confidence, purpose, and pride in their work.

Today, we honor not only an artist but a steward of heritage. Dr. Flores reminds us that culture endures because people choose to protect it, just as she has and continues to do every day.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Cole, for the great work he has done on the appropriations. That is why I rise today in support of the measure before us.

Madam Speaker, the Senate amendment preserves the bipartisan funding bills that this Chamber has agreed to while giving us the necessary time to come to an agreement on Homeland Security funding.

We simply cannot allow our troops or Federal employees to miss another paycheck. If we fail to send this bill to the President's desk today, the shutdown will continue to drag on and limit access to the programs that Americans across the country rely on for healthcare, education, and national security.

In Guam, where the enlistment rate is the highest in the Nation, many of our families rely on a timely paycheck for everyday needs. This bill strengthens support for our servicemembers and includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for all military personnel and continues the pay rate increases for our junior enlisted servicemembers.

Madam Speaker, I strongly agree with and urge my colleagues to support this measure and to support the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone, the 75th anniversary of Pacific Daily News, known across Guam for generations simply as PDN.

For seventy-five years, PDN has chronicled life in Guam. Since its founding in 1950, it has stood as our island's paper of record, documenting our triumphs, our trials, and the everyday moments that define who we are as a people.

PDN emerged in the postwar era, at a time when Guam was rebuilding, redefining itself, and finding its voice in the modern world. In those early years, the paper helped connect families and lay the foundation for a more engaged and informed public. As Guam moved toward greater self-government, as new institutions took shape, and as our island evolved, PDN was there, recording history right as it unfolded.

PDN reported on the passage of the Organic Act, the growth of our civilian government, and the transformation of Guam from a war-scarred territory into a vibrant, modern community. It documented the rise of new industries, the opening of schools and hospitals, and the changing rhythms of island life. Page by page, year by year, PDN became a living archive of Guam's story.

Through typhoons and tragedies, elections and celebrations, conflicts and recoveries, PDN has remained a constant and reliable source of information, reporting from the front lines often when conditions were difficult and information scarce. In those moments, PDN helped our growing community stay informed, connected, and grounded.

At the same time, PDN has celebrated our joys. It has told the stories of our graduates and champions, our cultural festivals and community milestones. It has highlighted the achievements of our students, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs. It has preserved the voices of our elders and the aspirations of our youth. PDN has helped ensure that Guam is not invisible. It has given our island a platform, a mirror, and at times, a conscience. It has carried local concerns into the public and helped connect Guam to the wider world. For many beyond our shores, PDN has been their first window into life on our island.

Behind every headline is a team of dedicated professionals, reporters who chase the story, photographers who capture history in a single frame, editors who shape the narrative, and staff who work long hours to make sure each edition reaches readers. Their work often happens quietly, under tight deadlines and with limited resources, but its impact is felt across the island every day.

Journalism is not easy work. It requires persistence, integrity, and a willingness to ask hard questions. It demands accuracy in moments of urgency and fairness in moments of disagreement. Over 75 years PDN has carried that responsibility on behalf of the people of Guam.

In an era of rapid change, shifting media landscapes, and growing challenges for local journalism nationwide, PDN's endurance is a testament to both resilience and relevance. Seventy-five years in the industry is a measure of trust earned, credibility built, and service rendered.

Today, we honor not only an institution, but the generations of people who sustained it. We honor the stories that have been told, the history that has been preserved, and the countless readers who have turned to PDN to understand their world.

I congratulate Pacific Daily News on its 75th anniversary and thank them for their enduring service to our island. May PDN continue to inform, challenge, and serve our community for many years to come.