Debates Parlamentares - Diário 009, p. 161 (2003-11-22)

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0161 | II Série C - Número 009 | 22 de Novembro de 2003

First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who have been vital to making this event possible. I want to extend thanks to the President of the Portuguese Parliament, Mota Amaral, the Portuguese Parliament, and members of the Azorean government for the invitation to me and my fellow members of Congress, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Rep. Dennis Cardoza of California. I also bring with me best wishes from Congressman Richard Pombo of California who was unable to make the trip. I would like to thank Major General Andrade and Colonel Jacobi and their staffs. Also I'd like to thank my staff in Washington and California for helping put together this amazing trip. Last but not least, I would like to thank all of our Armed Service personnel stationed here at Lajes and around the world, who selflessly offer their service and dedication to the defense of freedom and democracy. On this upcoming Veterans Day, we should all stop and thank them for their hard work and determination in making the world a safe and more free place to live.
Since Professor Andrade did such a good job of telling you all about the interesting history of the Azores, I can forgo that part of my speech. However, I have learned much about the Azores in my life. My family came from the islands of San Jorge, Pico, and here in Terceira. Having roots in San Jorge creates a common and lasting bond between Chairmen Pombo and I. My background in Pico allows for mutual understanding on cultural issues with Rep. Cardoza, as his family came from there. All three of us have sat around talking about festas, muntanos, bullfights, and are families in the Azores. These are just a few pieces of the culture and tradition that will never leave us.
Part of my family left here in the early 1900s and settled in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. In typical fashion, they quickly began farming and started a dairy, which our family still owns today. It was on the dairy that I learned the lesson of hard work and perseverance from my grandparents who had worked so hard to make their dreams come true in America. My fiancée also has her roots here in Terceira. Her father was born on Angra and her grandfather worked on the construction of this base. I have also learned quite a bit about Faial because my Chief of Staff, Joãozinho Amaral's, de primo de Mota Amaral, family, including his father, grew up in the fragzia de Flamengos and emigrated in the 60's. None of our families would have thought we would have the opportunity to come back here to visit the Azores and serve the American people in such a position. And if I may speak for the group, we owe much of our success to our Azorean relative's thoughts and teachings about responsibility and dedication to family values.
As we all know, the real reason why we are here today is to pay tribute to Lajes Air Base and the importance it has played in defending freedom and democracy. In 1941, the Portuguese government had the foresight to recognize the strategic value that the Azores presented in World War II. Deciding to forgo their neutrality, the Portuguese government made the bold move to assist the Allied forces in their effort to defeat Germany and the Axis Powers. By 1943, Lajes, or as it was called at the time Lagens Field, was being used to stage attacks by B-17s against German U-Boats.
Around the same time, the US began using the airstrip as a fueling and layover point on transatlantic fights to Africa. Lajes allowed the US forces to cut their flying time from 70 to 40 hours and increase supplies to the African front by twofold.
The next role for Lajes came as a refueling station during the Cold war. Without this base, the United States and all of Western Europe would have lacked the necessary air cover needed during the long standoff. As a result, in 1953 the base was redesignated as the 1605th Air Base Wing.
The next major wartime action happened during the first Gulf War. Lajes played an important role from day one and supported over 12,000 aircraft. Despite being changed from the 1605th Air Base Wing to the 65th Support Wing, every major operation in Europe, Southwest Asia, and Africa, used the support of Lajes Base. Some of those operations were Southern Watch in 1994 and Operation Desert Thunder in 1998. These operations earned the base an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its work. This Veterans Day we should pause and pay thanks to the brave men and women who have served at this base and others around the globe. Their hard work and dedication cannot and will not go unnoticed.
Today, the strategic importance of Lajes has not been forgotten or failed to be utilized in the current War on Terrorism. The location and abilities of this base make it a perfect fit to assist with the operations of the 3rd Air Force stationed in England. President Bush also recognized the importance of the station and decided that he wanted to host the Atlantic summit here last March. His decision to meet with the prime ministers of Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal in the Azores is a testament to the strong ties between out two countries, and is a tribute to Portugal's courage in the War on Terror. During President Bush's speech he described how we as mankind had reached a moment of truth. Saddam Hussein and his murderous regime needed to be removed for the sake of peace and security for all. Thanks in large part to our work of all the coalition members, Saddam Hussein and the Baath Party have been removed from power in Iraq but the fight against them and other terrorists around the world is not over. Now is not a time to cower or fold in the face of adversity. Our families faced many challenges when they left these islands and we must have as much courage as they did during our current struggle. We must stand along and tall against the faces of evil for the sake of our children and our children's children. People should not have to live in fear of terrorism and oppression but rather bask in the glow of liberty and freedom.
As we turn to a new chapter in the War on Terrorism we must continue to utilize the important alliance between our two countries. This great base will remain a key player and factor in the ongoing endeavours no matter how far or distant they may seem. It is also important for those of us that are of Portuguese heritage to not forget where we came from.
Like my friends with me here today, I'm proud to be a Portuguese American. Rep. Cardoza and I are both honorary members of the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States. It is through these types of groups where we can continue the long and cherished traditions of our native land. I speak for both of us when I say that we would be delighted to see three more Portuguese members in Congress who share the same amount of love, passion, and feelings for this great country.

0161 | II Série C - Número 009 | 22 de Novembro de 2003 First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who have been vital to making this event possible. I want to extend thanks to the President of the Portuguese Parliament, Mota Amaral, the Portuguese Parliament, and members of the Azorean government for the invitation to me and my fellow members of Congress, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Rep. Dennis Cardoza of California. I also bring with me best wishes from Congressman Richard Pombo of California who was unable to make the trip. I would like to thank Major General Andrade and Colonel Jacobi and their staffs. Also I'd like to thank my staff in Washington and California for helping put together this amazing trip. Last but not least, I would like to thank all of our Armed Service personnel stationed here at Lajes and around the world, who selflessly offer their service and dedication to the defense of freedom and democracy. On this upcoming Veterans Day, we should all stop and thank them for their hard work and determination in making the world a safe and more free place to live.
Since Professor Andrade did such a good job of telling you all about the interesting history of the Azores, I can forgo that part of my speech. However, I have learned much about the Azores in my life. My family came from the islands of San Jorge, Pico, and here in Terceira. Having roots in San Jorge creates a common and lasting bond between Chairmen Pombo and I. My background in Pico allows for mutual understanding on cultural issues with Rep. Cardoza, as his family came from there. All three of us have sat around talking about festas, muntanos, bullfights, and are families in the Azores. These are just a few pieces of the culture and tradition that will never leave us.
Part of my family left here in the early 1900s and settled in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. In typical fashion, they quickly began farming and started a dairy, which our family still owns today. It was on the dairy that I learned the lesson of hard work and perseverance from my grandparents who had worked so hard to make their dreams come true in America. My fiancée also has her roots here in Terceira. Her father was born on Angra and her grandfather worked on the construction of this base. I have also learned quite a bit about Faial because my Chief of Staff, Joãozinho Amaral's, de primo de Mota Amaral, family, including his father, grew up in the fragzia de Flamengos and emigrated in the 60's. None of our families would have thought we would have the opportunity to come back here to visit the Azores and serve the American people in such a position. And if I may speak for the group, we owe much of our success to our Azorean relative's thoughts and teachings about responsibility and dedication to family values.
As we all know, the real reason why we are here today is to pay tribute to Lajes Air Base and the importance it has played in defending freedom and democracy. In 1941, the Portuguese government had the foresight to recognize the strategic value that the Azores presented in World War II. Deciding to forgo their neutrality, the Portuguese government made the bold move to assist the Allied forces in their effort to defeat Germany and the Axis Powers. By 1943, Lajes, or as it was called at the time Lagens Field, was being used to stage attacks by B-17s against German U-Boats.
Around the same time, the US began using the airstrip as a fueling and layover point on transatlantic fights to Africa. Lajes allowed the US forces to cut their flying time from 70 to 40 hours and increase supplies to the African front by twofold.
The next role for Lajes came as a refueling station during the Cold war. Without this base, the United States and all of Western Europe would have lacked the necessary air cover needed during the long standoff. As a result, in 1953 the base was redesignated as the 1605th Air Base Wing.
The next major wartime action happened during the first Gulf War. Lajes played an important role from day one and supported over 12,000 aircraft. Despite being changed from the 1605th Air Base Wing to the 65th Support Wing, every major operation in Europe, Southwest Asia, and Africa, used the support of Lajes Base. Some of those operations were Southern Watch in 1994 and Operation Desert Thunder in 1998. These operations earned the base an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its work. This Veterans Day we should pause and pay thanks to the brave men and women who have served at this base and others around the globe. Their hard work and dedication cannot and will not go unnoticed.
Today, the strategic importance of Lajes has not been forgotten or failed to be utilized in the current War on Terrorism. The location and abilities of this base make it a perfect fit to assist with the operations of the 3rd Air Force stationed in England. President Bush also recognized the importance of the station and decided that he wanted to host the Atlantic summit here last March. His decision to meet with the prime ministers of Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal in the Azores is a testament to the strong ties between out two countries, and is a tribute to Portugal's courage in the War on Terror. During President Bush's speech he described how we as mankind had reached a moment of truth. Saddam Hussein and his murderous regime needed to be removed for the sake of peace and security for all. Thanks in large part to our work of all the coalition members, Saddam Hussein and the Baath Party have been removed from power in Iraq but the fight against them and other terrorists around the world is not over. Now is not a time to cower or fold in the face of adversity. Our families faced many challenges when they left these islands and we must have as much courage as they did during our current struggle. We must stand along and tall against the faces of evil for the sake of our children and our children's children. People should not have to live in fear of terrorism and oppression but rather bask in the glow of liberty and freedom.
As we turn to a new chapter in the War on Terrorism we must continue to utilize the important alliance between our two countries. This great base will remain a key player and factor in the ongoing endeavours no matter how far or distant they may seem. It is also important for those of us that are of Portuguese heritage to not forget where we came from.
Like my friends with me here today, I'm proud to be a Portuguese American. Rep. Cardoza and I are both honorary members of the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States. It is through these types of groups where we can continue the long and cherished traditions of our native land. I speak for both of us when I say that we would be delighted to see three more Portuguese members in Congress who share the same amount of love, passion, and feelings for this great country.

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