[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1321-E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MABEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ``PEACE DAY''

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                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2013

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the students at Mabel Elementary School in 
Watauga County are observing ``International Peace Day'' this Friday.
  I commend them for taking the time to pay such special attention to a 
cause as important as peace.
  Each student at Mabel Elementary School has a part to play in 
building peace.
  As I told the student, peace starts with respect--respect for 
yourself, your family, your classmates, your teachers, and for our 
American values of life, liberty, personal responsibility, and 
equality.
  Pursuing peace goes hand-in-hand with practicing respect. And 
practicing respect is a choice each of us will make for the rest of our 
lives.
  President Ronald Reagan, in a speech to students at Moscow State 
University, said ``A people free to choose will always choose peace.''
  In this country, we not only have the freedom to make that choice, we 
also have wonderful examples to follow as we learn to practice respect 
and build peace.
  No one values peace more than the men and women who serve in our 
armed forces. These brave people and their families sacrifice to defend 
freedome and pursue peace in our world. When bad things happen and when 
we find ourselves in danger, they answer the call to protect us and 
they always work to find peace.
  It takes courage and conviction to choose to treat others with 
respect and pursue peace. But peace is a noble calling and a just goal.
  By practicing peace and respect at home and in school, Mabel 
Elementary students can

[[Page E1322]]

help build a more peaceful North Carolina, a more peaceful America, and 
even a more peaceful world.
  Again, I commend them on their Peace Day celebration.

                          ____________________