[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H8845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY

  (Mr. PAPPAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I just attended the Congressional Gold 
Medal presentation ceremony in the rotunda of this building in which 
that was presented to His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of the 
Greek Orthodox Church. It was a real honor to be there and be a Member 
of this House that made that possible in recognition for his 
leadership, not just as a religious leader, but as someone who is a 
defender of freedom around the world.
  I decided to come here and just take this moment to draw attention to 
the people around our country that this has taken place and that we in 
this country are very, very fortunate to be able to speak freely of our 
religious beliefs and, yes, even the U.S. Government through the U.S. 
Congress recognizes the importance that religion plays in our world and 
certainly in our Nation.

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