I could not come up with what I felt would be a proper acknowledgment and thank-you at the time, and it left me feeling that I had not adequately shown my appreciation.
Any number of people have told me, at one point or another, that they liked, or agreed with, what I had written in one of my columns, but not until the presentation by the House, and the one the previous week by the CNMI non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress, had I had any sense of the impact my writings seem to have had on so wide an audience. It is a daunting realization, and leaves me very humbled (as well as speechless!).
That the members of the House would all (with the exception of Rep. Stanley T. Torres, who crossed out his name on the list of members presenting the resolution — though the cross-out is not initialed), agree to publicly honor me, despite the many criticisms of the House as a whole and of individual members that have appeared in my column over the years, despite my being an “outsider,” makes the recognition all the more telling, meaningful, treasured.
Thank you. I was greatly touched, feel deeply honored.
I would, as well, like to thank all those who have offered congratulations upon my being recognized by the House. I am overwhelmed!
I would be remiss if I did not recognize, thank, as well, the many people who were also involved in the several public “protests” and campaigns which were mentioned in both documents. Those were not done single-handedly — others also participated.
Recognition must also go not only to my father, who did much to inspire my sense of right and wrong, but also to my daughter Stacey, who taught me much of what I know about marine, ecological and environmental concerns.
And lastly, I would like to thank those who — to my understanding — were instrumental in initiating and putting together the two documents: Chailang Palacios, Tina Sablan and Gloria Hunter.
If I’ve omitted anyone deserving of mention, I hope I s/he will forgive me; and if he or she speaks up, I would be glad to correct the error.
RUTH L. TIGHE
Tanapag, Saipan
