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| Coffee and donuts: Magistrate Judge Joaquin V.E. Manibusan Jr., left, shares a joke with members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 668 and others during their visit to the District Court of Guam on Saturday. The veterans were invited to a "coffee and donut hour" to meet with the judge and learn more about the federal court system as the District Court of Guam celebrates Law Week. / Rick Cruz/Pacific Daily News/rmcruz@guampdn.com |
Several Vietnam veterans and their spouses visited the District Court of Guam Saturday.
The visit was one of the activities that signaled the start of Law Week on Guam this year. The weeklong event's theme is "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom," and it emphasizes the importance of open and accessible courts to all. The District Court wants the community to see and learn more about Guam's federal court. The weeklong event will end with a showcase at the Micronesia Mall this Saturday.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joaquin V.E. Manibusan Jr. hosted the veterans in his courtroom. The veterans and their wives sat in the jury seats while Manibusan joked and shared stories with the audience and made them feel comfortable. He saluted the veterans and thanked them for their service.
"I salute each and every one of you and am grateful for what you've done to fight for our freedom," Manibusan said.
Manibusan said he has high regard for the veterans because he grew up with them.
After he gave advice to the veterans about ways to age well and things to take care of before death, such as exercising more and having a will, the floor was open for questions.
James Matanane, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 668, asked about a tax dispute with his organization.
"We have a few federal issues that my members wanted me to bring up and I did," Matanane said.
After the questions, Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative Rodney Jacob spoke about the event.
"We commemorate the rule of law because we are governed by laws and they keep us free. And we want to reach out to the community and share what we do," Jacob said.
He said hosting veterans for Law Week was appropriate.
"Without you fighting for our country to keep us free, none of this would mean anything," Jacob said. "We appreciate the sacrifices you made for us."
Manibusan opened up his chambers for refreshments. The judge sang old Chamorro songs and shared more stories with the veterans in the jury deliberation room, which is next to his chambers.
Matanane enjoyed the event and was honored to be invited.
Veteran Joe San Nicolas said he learned something.
"You don't have to break the law to go to court," San Nicolas said.
Source: http://www.guampdn.com/article/20120430/NEWS01/204300309/-1/NLETTER01/District-court-hosts-Vietnam-vets?source=nletter-news, 30 April 2012.
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