[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REMEMBERING THOSE LOST AND HURT IN THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN MUMBAI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2008

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, in response to the 
unspeakably terrible acts of murder perpetrated on innocent people by a 
handful of vicious, hate-filled fanatics in Mumbai. the Asian American 
Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts convened a candlelight 
vigil on December 4 at 6 p.m. in Boston and provided an opportunity for 
people of good will to express their horror at these terrible events 
and their determination to work together to prevent them from happening 
again.
  The Commission composed a moving, eloquent statement in response to 
these terrible acts and because its message is so necessary at this 
time, I ask that it be printed here.

A Candlelight Vigil--Remembering Friends, Family and All Those Lost and 
  Hurt in the Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai, India November 26-29, 2008

       The Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of 
     Massachusetts invites Americans of all faiths to join in a 
     Candlelight Vigil on December 4, 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, 
     Boston, Massachusetts.
       We are saddened by the loss of so many in Mumbai, India 
     this past week because of the actions of a few terrorists. We 
     offer our deepest condolences to their families and pray for 
     the speedy recovery of those who were hurt. We applaud the 
     heroic actions of the police, firefighters, armed forces and 
     the staff of the hotels, restaurants, train stations and 
     hospitals and all concerned citizens who helped to stop the 
     terrorists and rescue and guide people to safety.
       In this global village, like the United States, India is a 
     democracy with rights for every man, woman and child, 
     regardless of religious or ethnic origin; a secular country 
     with tolerance for many faiths; and a strong tradition of 
     cooperation among its many ethnic, religious, and linguistic 
     communities. India also serves as a positive influence for 
     many people here and in countries around the world through 
     its strong traditions, contributions to culture, political 
     leadership, trade and world economic development.
       As the world's largest democracy, India's represents a 
     religious cross-section of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, 
     Sikhs, Jews, Buddhists and people of every faith that have 
     traditionally lived in harmony. Unfortunately, there are a 
     few who seek to sow divisions and cause harm to its people, 
     its economy, to all those who visit or wish to do business 
     with India. We believe that terrorism affects us all and we 
     must all unite and act to defeat this common enemy.
       As Asians and Americans we are all part of a global village 
     and strongly condemn these heinous acts. No matter where 
     terror raises its ugly head, it impacts all the citizens of 
     the world. We believe that by coming together as a community 
     to show support to the bereaved and by fostering greater 
     bonds between all peoples and faiths here at home and across 
     the globe that we will be able to stop such hate.

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