[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENSE OF THE HOUSE THAT AMERICANS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN MOMENT OF 
                     SILENCE REGARDING ARMED FORCES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
the resolution to express the sense of the House that all Americans 
should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service 
and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home 
and abroad.
  Words fly in this Chamber, in the city, on a rainbow of subjects and 
issues, with any number of ideas and opinions. Sometimes the rhetoric 
can seem overpowering, even confusing, particularly when action and 
change is so desperately needed.
  The moment of silence, however, is an arresting and poignant pause. 
It is a beautiful way to express respect, and pride, and honor, without 
the discoloration of politics.
  Around the world, moments of silence are often called to mourn a 
national tragedy, or honor a historical benchmark. We are familiar with 
the visual gesture of lowering the American flag to half mast. I 
support the complementary gesture of pausing for a moment to reflect, 
to think, and to appreciate everything that our armed forces do for us 
around the world.
  Thank you to them, our soldiers who are our children, our fathers and 
mothers, our brothers and sisters, our friends and protectors. I know 
all of my colleagues in Congress will join me in supporting this 
resolution.




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