[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FATHER'S DAY 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate one of the proudest 
institutions of human society--the father. This Sunday, many in our 
country will turn those individuals who often go underappreciated 
throughout our lives. As a father myself, I know the joys and wonders 
of being a father and I applaud those fathers that stand up for and 
behind their children throughout their lives.
  Dads are an important aspect of many of our lives. They, like 
mothers, dedicate their lives to the rearing of their kids. They 
sacrifice and suffer for the betterment of the family. They fret and 
worry constantly over the safety and future of their loved ones. 
Fathers nevertheless play an important role in the lives of the 
community, intentionally or not. They are an integral part of the 
national fabric that weaves and connects us to one another and to our 
collective futures.
  Fathers on Father's Day seldom get to the attention and praise that 
mothers do on Mother's Day. We get interesting ties, not fresh roses. 
Greeting cards on Father's Days are rarely as lovely and thoughtful. 
The importance of fathers, like mothers, however is not reflected in 
the gifts and praises lauded on us. The importance is seen at birthdays 
and holidays, graduations and weddings. Our biggest accomplishments are 
turning our little boys into men and our girls into women. That is 
where our praise comes from.
  Nonetheless, I want to acknowledge the fathers of this country today. 
I want to thank them for spending time with their families, providing 
the necessities of life to their children, caring and supporting their 
wives, and being role models for and leaders of their communities. I 
want to recognize the hard work and sacrifice that they endure for 
their loved ones and the advice and wisdom they give to guide the 
family. I applaud their daily efforts, sympathize with their trials and 
tribulations, and encourage them to persevere through difficult 
moments. The rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.
  I especially want to thank the fathers that are serving in Iraq and 
Afghanistan today. Their service to this nation means they will not 
able to hold their kids and their wives on this Father's Day. I also 
want to thank the fathers of our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
They too will be unable to hold their kids and their wives because of 
their service to this country. I have spoken before about my admiration 
and love for our military forces. The sacrifices they endure for our 
freedom and safety must be appreciated and we must continue to 
recognize and honor these men and women on Father's Day and every day.

                          ____________________