Honoring Marianas Heritage in America’s Semiquincentennial Time Capsule
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I was honored to join Speaker Mike Johnson and colleagues from both chambers at the unveiling of the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule in the U.S. Capitol. This historic capsule will preserve a snapshot of the 119th Congress and our nation today, to be opened 250 years from now on July 4, 2276. I was especially proud that the CNMI was part of this historic effort. Our submission included cultural items reflecting our Chamorro and Refaluwasch heritage, such as a latte stone replica, sinahi necklace, mwar mwar, and lighatuttur, along with maps of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, materials from our congressional office, and a letter to future generations describing our people, our history, and our unique Covenant relationship with the United States. I included a personal letter addressed to the people of 2276, reflecting on the values that define our islands: family, resilience, faith, and community, and our hope that the Northern Marianas continues to thrive as both a proud Pacific community and a vital part of the American story.