[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A RISING NATION, UNDER GOD THIS FOURTH OF JULY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, listen again to the words we will hear this 
Fourth of July: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men 
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit 
of Happiness.''
  Given the recent Federal Court ruling about the constitutionality of 
our pledge of allegiance, will the day come when a Federal Court of 
these United States will not allow our Declaration of Independence to 
be read or posted on the walls of our schoolrooms across this land? I 
pray not.
  We must always be mindful that the moral fiber of this Nation was 
built not upon the law of man, but rather upon the law of God.
  ``The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this 
truth,'' said Benjamin Franklin, ``that God governs in the affairs of 
men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice--is 
it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?''
  Throughout our Nation's history we have faced many challenges, fought 
many battles. But from troubled times, we've gained greater victories. 
To the American, trouble but fuels our soul. Ignites our spirit. 
Trouble forges our future's strength. September 11th's legacy will be 
no different.
  This Fourth of July, let us pause to give thanks to the almighty--to 
remember, reclaim, and rejoice in our national spirit born of 
revolution, our national quest.
  In President Jefferson's first inaugural address, he called us ``A 
rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the 
seas with the rich productions of their industry . . . advancing 
rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye.''
  Mountaineers are always free. We live Jefferson's words. The spirits 
of Flood ravaged West Virginians fan the flames of future's hope.
  ``The God who gave us reason,'' Jefferson said, ``did not ask us to 
forego its use.'' And truly America has taken his words to heart. We 
pursue life, liberty and happiness in this great Nation with great 
passion.
  And so it should be.
  Next January, our Nation will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of 
Jefferson's legacy, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a national quest 
that has inspired us ever since. Freedom paves the path of our national 
quest.
  As we face new economic realities in West Virginia, we seek not only 
new industries, but also new economies. From new infrastructure to new 
technologies, we are working to build a new and brighter West Virginia.
  As we face the war on terrorism, we grieve for the terrible toll it 
has already taken, the lives of West Virginia's precious sons and 
daughters. Let us remember that their sacrifice was for our quest not 
to falter or to fail, but rather to set sail and soar.
  The rights for which our founding fathers and mothers so valiantly 
pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honors--and might I add they 
did so, and I quote, ``with a firm reliance on the protection of divine 
Providence,''--require the same from us in times of peace--and in times 
of war.
  Jefferson's last letter, which was read on July 4th 1826 in 
Washington, DC, the day he would pass from this earth--concluded, ``For 
ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our 
recollections of these rights and an undiminished devotion to them.''
  Our national quest shall endure. We remain a rising nation. The 
Fourth of July is our constant reminder, and the good Lord, our 
constant strength, despite what any court, judge, or jurisdiction of 
this government says to the contrary.

                          ____________________