[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E659-E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE HONORING ISRAEL'S SIXTY-FOURTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Israel's sixty-
fourth Independence Day. Today is a cause for true celebration.
  On May 14, 1948, Mr. David Ben-Gurion declared the independence of 
the State of Israel. It is with this in mind that families and friends 
across the globe come together to celebrate on this very special 
occasion.
  The United States' strong solidarity to the Israeli people is 
continually fortified. Since Israel's independence, the ties of 
democracy between Israel and the United States have been unwavering.
  The United States was one of the first nations to recognize the 
nation of Israel, just minutes after Prime Minister Ben-Gurion declared 
the independence of the State of Israel.
  As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel has been one of the 
United States' most

[[Page E660]]

important allies since its founding. This relationship remains strong 
and vibrant to this day.
  While many things have changed in the past sixty-four years, the 
bonds of friendship between our two great nations has remained 
constant.
  President of Israel Shimon Peres has called on all Jewish people 
across the world to participate in Independence Day celebrations being 
hosted at the Presidential residence in Jerusalem.
  These celebrations will include honorary flyovers of Israeli combat 
planes and helicopters and a full military review by President Peres 
and Chief of Staff Gantz. President Peres will also be awarding 120 
soldiers with the President's Outstanding Service Award.
  Also, President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu, will partake in 
singing songs commemorating Israeli independence with the Israeli 
Defense Forces band and numerous patriotic singers.
  I am always pleased to recognize and commemorate historic occasions 
such as this one.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, all Jewish people, 
and me, in recognizing Israel's sixty-fourth Independence Day.

                          ____________________