Amata's Pacific Notebook: Day FIVE
May 11, 2007

Day #5: Amata goes behind the scene at historic meeting of Pacific leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2007) Although I have been to the White House many times in many capacities over the years, everytime I am invited I feel honored and privileged and a thrill goes up my spine when I enter the gates. This year is no exception.

Today (Thursday) is the day President Bush signed a proclamation making May Asian Pacific American Heritage month. What made this ceremony particularly memorable was that it coincided with the visit to Washington of Pacific Island leaders for PICL, the conference I have been chronicling over the past five days.

The President kindly acknowledged certain community leaders in attendance, paying particular attention to World War II veterans of the 100th 442nd. He also awarded medals to several volunteers who had done outstanding community work in different parts of the Nation. At the end of the ceremony, we all received beautiful signed copies of the proclamation.

Speaking of White House awards ceremonies, next week the President will present officer commissions to one ROTC member selected from each state and territory, including Marlena Lancaster Morgan, the daughter of Rosie Fualaau Tago Lancaster and David Lancaster. I am supposed to be out of Washington on May 17 but if I can at all arrange it, I hope to be back here for this ceremony, as well.

Prior to the White House ceremony, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne hosted lunch for the American-affiliated island leaders in the Interior building's courtyard. He also announced to the audience that he would make his first trip to the Pacific Islands in June. He will be traveling to American Samoa as well as points throughout Micronesia.

For awhile back in the 1980s, we did not have secretarial visits but every Interior Secretary at least since Manuel Lujan under President George H.W. Bush has made a trip to visit the American Pacific territories and freely associated states. In his luncheon remarks, Kempthorne told the leaders that he's very much looking forward to visiting them out on the region.

I was grateful that for the first time in three days, we did not have morning meetings. The day started with the lunch and continued at the White House, then I raced back across the river to Virginia to change into evening clothes, for I had the privilege of being with the President a second time today: at a formal gala in his honor hosted by his party.

Most of the cabinet and Republican Senators and Congressmen were there. These functions always are great opportunities to get updated on critical issues with top level officials on an informal basis, without the need for going through bureaucracies to set up appointments. Among the leaders from the Legislative Branch, Senator Pete Domenici was there with his wife and we talked a little more about American Samoa. I also took the opportunity with various Members of Congress to put in a word for taking care with our economic situation when considering minimum wage legislation.

The President spoke of our continued difficulties in Iraq and his optimism that the current surge will help to hasten peace in that troubled part of the Middle East. He expressed appreciation for the unwavering support he has continued to receive from the people at the gala. Shortly after the President departed, my husband and I slipped out as well, missing a chance to dance in the process. It was necessary because tomorrow I get up at 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight to Texas where I am spending the weekend to attend the college graduation of my sister's oldest child.

My sister Moni and her husband, Roland Glenister, a retired Command Sergeant major, live in Killeen, which is close to Ft. Hood. I am looking forward to visiting with the soldiers on the post and, with the continued indulgence of Samoa News, will report on Monday about the Mother's Day weekend happenings. Hopefully, I will have lots of news for our families at home about their loved ones stationed at Fort Hood.

Until I see you next week, have a great Mother's Day weekend and let me wish all you great mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day. This is the second Mother's Day since my mom passed away, and I still think about her every day and miss her very much.

Please write me at aumuaamata@mail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.