<home> -- <press releases> -- <May 22, 2008>

Wreath Laying Ceremony Commemorates Liberation in the Nation’s Capital

TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2008 – Washington, D.C. – The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior, joined Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Governor Felix P. Camacho, and Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) today in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns during a solemn ceremony commemorating the 64^th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Marianas.

Federal officials, Congressional staff members, and members of the Guam and CNMI communities in the greater Washington, D.C. area gathered at the historic Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery for the ceremony.  The ceremony followed the traditional changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns conducted by the 3^rd United States Infantry Regiment or “The Old Guard” of the United States Army. 

The United States Army provided a color guard, and honor guard, and the U.S. Army band, which played the National Anthem.  After the wreath was laid, an Army bugler played taps. 

“This ceremony in Washington honors the liberators who paid the ultimate price on behalf of the people of Guam and the people of the Northern Marianas.  Secretary Kempthorne, Governor Camacho, Representative Tenorio and I joined together in this solemn tribute to our armed forces and in appreciation for the freedom that we enjoy today,” said Congresswoman Bordallo.

“The ceremony was a moving tribute to the men and women who died 64 years ago defending and liberating our island,” said Governor Camacho.  “Additionally, the ceremony honored our sons and daughters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for freedom around the world.”

Contact: Joseph E. Duenas in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-1188 or Audreya Taitano at 671-477-4272/4

joseph.duenas@mail.house.gov or audreya.taitano@mail.house.gov

www.house.gov/bordallo

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