[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ARTUR DAVIS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nation 
of Israel, the lone beacon of democracy in a region roiling with 
tyranny and oppression. In the ongoing war on terrorism, we have no 
firmer friend than the nation of Israel, and as we seek a lasting peace 
in the Middle East, we can have no stronger ally.
  Today we celebrate Israel's Day of Independence in 1948. For more 
than 50 years our two great nations have forged a bond built on a 
shared vision of democracy. Our similar ideals and like minded 
determination protect the freedoms of our citizens and ensure the 
fundamental principles of equality and pluralism.
  It is a fact that Israel has had to live in the shadow of danger 
because it has too often been surrounded by enemies. That insecure 
existence has demanded the sacrifice of numerous Israeli soldiers, who 
have fought to keep Israel independent and free in the face of war and 
terrorism.
  Today we also call to mind the victims of the attacks Israel has 
weathered since its' inception. The dead and the wounded remind us of 
Israel's valor and her willingness to protect the basic aspirations of 
democracy: human dignity, individual rights, and religious freedom.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, is the day we celebrate Israel's Day of 
Independence, and pronounce our steadfastness to her survival and 
prosperity.

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