[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO RAOUL WALLENBERG

                                 ______


                        HON. JAMES C. GREENWOOD

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Raoul 
Wallenberg, an honorary American citizen who sacrificed his life so 
that others could live. During World War II, Raoul Wallenberg came to 
the call of the United States and selflessly risked his own life to 
save the lives of thousands from extermination. Generations of people 
have lived as a result of Raoul Wallenberg's mission. Every person who 
survived the Holocaust and its atrocities understands his courage. 
Raoul Wallenberg, as a Swede, was not a victim, but his commitment and 
perseverance to his mission endangered him to the same extermination 
from which he was saving others.
  in 1994, the United States requested that Sweden participate in 
efforts to protect the lives of Hungarian Jews facing extermination in 
Nazi German. Raoul Wallenberg willingly agreed to this request. With 
extraordinary courage, as well as U.S. funds and supplies, Raoul 
Wallenberg's mission save more than 100,000 Jews from torture and death 
in Nazi Germany.
  Tragically, in 1945 Raoul Wallenberg was seized by the Soviet Union 
without reverence to his Swedish diplomatic immunity and international 
law. No explanation was ever given for his detention and imprisonment.
  The Holocaust is a painful chapter in our history that many find hard 
to open. While each one of us would like to forget the horrible crimes 
that were committed, it is important to embrace the rare heroic deeds 
that saved the lives of thousands. 1995 will mark the 50th anniversary 
of Raoul Wallenberg's mission in Germany. It seems only proper, in this 
special anniversary year, to honor him as one of the most extraordinary 
heroes of the holocaust.
  For several years, Americans across the country have participated in 
a campaign to honor Raoul Wallenberg with a commemorative stamp. 
Thousands of letters have been written to the Postmaster General and 
the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee in support of the stamp and yet, 
the stamp has not been issued. Honorary citizenship is an extraordinary 
honor and not frequently granted. Since Raoul Wallenberg is a 
distinguished American, doesn't the American public have an interest in 
recognizing him for his mission and dedication of the United States of 
America? I urge my colleagues to join in the effort to recognize Raoul 
Wallenberg. The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee will be meeting in 
April to determine its stamp selections for 1995 and beyond. Please 
show them your support.

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