[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FAMILIES AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about families and the 
American Dream. Nothing drives our society and stirs our passions more 
than this dream, and Mr. Speaker, nothing is more fundamental to the 
success of our American Dream than the family.
  Our families are the cornerstone of our republic, and throughout our 
history, the family has been the source of our Nation's strength and 
values. A great deal of love, compassion, understanding, and patience 
go into building a successful family. It also takes courage and 
commitment to begin one, but no one would question its value.
  On April 19, 1997, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown, 
Long Island, two young people, whom I have the privilege to know and 
represent in this House, will enter into the bonds of holy matrimony. 
Ms. Mary Beth Fauls, only daughter of Thomas Joseph Fauls, Jr., and 
Judith Anne Fauls, and Theodore Vincent Peck III, only son of Theodore 
Vincent Peck, Jr., and Christine Helen Peck, will on that day, joined 
by 140 of their friends and family, express their love and lifetime 
commitment to each other. Once again, this celebration held throughout 
our history, will be reenacted in a small corner of our land, and two 
of our young citizens will begin their personal journey toward 
fulfilling the America Dream.
  Few will notice beyond those attending, Mr. Speaker, but considering 
that so much of what we here in this Congress debate concerns the 
welfare and security of our families, it is wholly fitting that we 
should pause for a moment to honor and reflect on this small event, 
which is so vital to the perpetuation of our country. I urge my 
colleagues to join with me in extending to the happy couple best wishes 
for a long, healthy, and successful marriage.

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