[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

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                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, 
Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day. This year, the 60th 
anniversary of the end of World War II, serves as a solemn reminder of 
the tragic events that resulted in the murder of six million Jews and 
millions of other men and women. Today, we honor their memory and 
sacrifice.
  Yom Hashoah is a sad day, but it also has a message of hope. It 
evokes memories of the lows of humanity and what can happen when the 
world turns its back to oppression. It reminds us of the suffering of 
millions who endured the evils of discrimination and racism. The entire 
world was impacted by the terrible events of World War II. We remember 
and honor the many individuals and their loved ones who suffered simply 
because of their religion or ethnicity.
  This occasion is also a time for hope because we honor the memory of 
the past by passing down the lessons we have learned to future 
generations so that such tragic history will never repeat itself. 
Today, many events are taking place around the world to remind us of 
the events that took place during World War II and to unite all people 
together against racism, bigotry and hate.
  The Days of Remembrance Ceremony was held in the Rotunda of our 
Nation's Capitol, a fitting place to spread the message of justice and 
freedom and to remember the heroes who gave their lives in the fight 
for freedom and democracy only 60 years ago. I am proud to stand here 
today to honor the memory of the victims in hope that the world will 
never again witness these atrocities.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an important day for all mankind to stand 
together against racism, hate and intolerance and I urge all my 
colleagues to take a moment to reflect and remember.

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