[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr.  COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
victims of the Holocaust and to honor Holocaust Remembrance Day.
  Earlier this week, concerned citizens throughout the world solemnly 
remembered the history of the Holocaust and recognized the victims and 
those who survived this tragedy. Upon this one day, we remember those 
that suffered, those that fought, and those that died. Six million Jews 
were murdered. Many families were completely decimated.
  Between September 1, 1939, when Nazi troops invaded Poland, and 
Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945, Hitler waged two wars. One was 
against Allied forces on three continents. The other was against the 
Jews in the form of the Holocaust.
  In the years since, descendants of Jewish immigrants have clung to 
their identity and have prospered across this Nation and throughout the 
world. In my district, there is a significant population of Jewish 
survivors and their families that showed heroic bravery and a will to 
live.
  Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to imagine an evil more powerful than 
the massacre and willful destruction of a people. By honoring the 
Holocaust Remembrance Day, we renew our commitment to prevent future 
atrocities, and therefore we ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are 
properly understood and acknowledged. As it has been over 60 years 
since the Holocaust, it is imperative that we pay tribute to the memory 
of others who have suffered and to never forget the past.

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