[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E659-E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Israel Independence 
Day on the 56th Anniversary of its birth as a state.
  As Americans, we all take great pride in the founding of our country. 
The birth of Israel also serves as a sense of pride--not only to the 
people of Israel, but also to Jewish people throughout the world. 
Almost every day, we receive news of Israelis falling victim to 
terrorism and tragedy, yet every day, Israel stands as a symbol not 
just of the Jewish faith, but of freedom loving people who have the 
courage, even today, to live in danger, fight for freedom and work for 
peace.
  While Israel and America were founded in different centuries, a world 
away from each other, both countries share similar values which provide 
a foundation for a strong society. These values are rooted in educating 
our children, keeping our families healthy, and protecting our citizens 
from harm.
  I applaud Israel for all it has accomplished throughout the past 56 
years. It has weathered war and terrorism, and yet it still remains a 
democratic state committed to improving the quality of life for all its 
citizens. The commitment to serve its people is the mark of a great 
country, because only when a state wants its citizens to succeed, will 
it too succeed. In its short but rich history, Israel has proven its 
success by this unwavering dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with honor and respect of Israel's great history, 
that I congratulate the country for its successes, and look forward to 
a long-lasting relationship between our two countries, based on our 
shared values.

[[Page E660]]



                          ____________________