[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United Nations 
International Day of Peace. In 2002, the United Nations General 
Assembly declared September 21 as the permanent date for International 
Peace. Its purpose is to encourage the manifestation of the vital 
Spirit that unifies us amid our diverse ways. In a time where we are 
witness to mass violence, acts of genocide, and war, the United Nations 
International Day of Peace draws attention to the need to implement 
strategies linking development, security, human rights and peace into a 
cohesive framework.
  It also presents an opportunity for citizens of our country to honor 
the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of 
the World, which emphasizes the need for the international community to 
recognize and implement strategies to focus on and ensure assistance 
for children exposed to harmful and violent situations.
  On this day when we focus on the goal of individual and collective 
progress toward building cultures of peace, we must pause to remember 
the tragic loss of 2,683 fallen American heroes and the estimated 
48,000 civilians in Iraq who have lost their lives due to war and 
violence.
  As the lone remaining superpower, America serves as a model for other 
nations, and it is our duty to lead other nations to peace. On this 
International Day of Peace, we must reflect actions our nation can take 
to alleviate tensions and causes of conflict, such as bringing our 
troops home safely using an exit strategy that is executed with 
accountability and diplomacy and which helps achieve harmony among 
other nations.
  As a proud representative of California's 15th Congressional 
District, I am committed to devoting myself and my district to building 
Cultures of Peace for the children of the world and for future 
generations. My constituents and I hope that the acts of peace we 
perform on this day serve to strengthen the ongoing legacy of 
democracy, liberty and equality within our country.

                          ____________________