[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE INAUGURAL NATURALIZATION CEREMONY OF THE CITIZENSHIP 
                          COUNTS ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Citizenship 
Counts organization, whose inaugural naturalization ceremony is being 
held today to welcome new American citizens. The event's keynote 
speaker, Gerda Weissmann Klein, is one of very few living survivors of 
the Holocaust and the founder of Citizenship Counts. She has used her 
experiences to educate and inspire others in our community and all over 
the world.
  Gerda's story is one of true bravery and heroism. She survived the 
perils of six concentration camps during the Holocaust and a 350-mile 
march through Eastern Europe before being liberated by Allied forces. 
In the many years since, Gerda has dedicated her life to being an 
advocate for the teaching of tolerance, empowerment, and respect 
through her extensive work with the Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation and 
Citizenship Counts.
  The Citizenship Counts organization motivates students through civics 
education and community service while bolstering pride in their 
citizenship. Through these programs, Citizenship Counts effectively 
promotes the ideal of American citizenship as a responsibility, and 
instills the strong moral values that Gerda has worked so tirelessly to 
uphold.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Citizenship Counts, an 
organization whose efforts have truly strengthened our community.

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