[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CITY OF LEON VALLEY'S ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank the city 
of Leon Valley as they prepare to host their annual Fourth of July 
parade and celebration. This marks the 14 consecutive year in which 
Leon Valley has celebrated our Nation's independence.
  This historical significance of our independence is felt beyond our 
domestic borders as this holiday truly epitomizes the meaning of the 
word democracy. Centuries ago on this day, our Founding Fathers stood 
up for their cherished values and used them as a blueprint for the 
basis of our country's government. They believed in a citizen's right 
to freedom and equality, and they abandoned tyranny and oppression 
along the way to forming a bold new government.
  What started as a courageous experiment in democracy developed into a 
flourishing government that to this day symbolizes liberty and justice. 
Without their vision, our democracy would not be what it now is over 
200 years later. Along the way, our country has continuously 
represented the principles on which it was founded to the rest of the 
world. It is a tremendous responsibility that we carry not only as a 
government but also as citizens, and it is one that we should all be 
honored to fulfill.
  It is with great privilege that I commend the city of Leon Valley for 
recognizing these important principles of our democracy with their 
annual Independence Day celebration. The Leon Valley community should 
be proud of their efforts, both in the past and in the future, to honor 
our Nation's independence and the values this holiday represents.

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