[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Yom Ha Shoah, 
Holocaust Remembrance Day. We recall now not only the more than six 
million Jews who lost their lives, but the human potential that was 
also extinguished during the dark days of World War II. We remember not 
just the mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters, the brothers and 
sisters, but also their descendents who never got to make their 
contributions to mankind. And we remember the heroes who gave their 
lives in the greatest fight for freedom and democracy the modern world 
has ever known.
  By pausing today, we join in a solemn bond with the victims of the 
Holocaust to ensure that the world will never suffer such a horrific 
tragedy again. It is through our reflection that we acknowledge our 
loss and through our actions that we build a world free of such hatred 
and despair. Our greatest tribute to the millions who suffered at the 
hands of the Nazis will be to ensure that their memory will never be 
extinguished. By recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day, we do just that 
by educating today's and future generations.
  Yet the fires of hate, which burned so brightly in Europe from 1939 
through 1945, never really burned out. They were smoldering in the 
hearts of the terrorists who flew their planes into the Twin Towers, 
the Pentagon and into the ground of rural Pennsylvania on September 
11th. And those same fires are ablaze even today, in actions of the 
suicide bombers on the West Bank and in Gaza. We pray, Mr. Speaker, for 
a soothing rain to extinguish forever the fires of hatred.
  With these examples fresh in our minds, we marvel at the strength and 
character of the Jewish people. Their steadfast determination to 
rebuild their lives following the Holocaust has given the world a 
remarkable model of resolve. Through their example, we can glimpse the 
extraordinary human spirit that rises above the fruitlessness of anger 
and resentment. With this day and with our deeds we honor that spirit. 
Mr. Speaker, we observe Yom Ha Shoah to always remember and never 
forget. I am proud to recognize Yom Ha Shoah and I urge my colleagues, 
and all Americans, to do the same.

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