[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING SOKA GAKKAI INTERNATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2016

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Soka Gakkai 
International (SGI), the Buddhist association of more than 12 million 
people, on celebrating 86 years since its founding.
  On November 18, 1930, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda founded 
the Soka Gakkai in Tokyo, Japan to spread the Buddhist ideals of 
equality, respect for all life and the connection of self and the 
environment. Makiguchi served as the first president of The Soka Gakkai 
and was succeeded by Toda as the second Soka Gakkai president. With the 
desire to further spread Buddhist philosophy across the world, Daisaku 
Ikeda founded Soka Gakkai International while he served as the third 
president of Soka Gakkai.
  Today, Ikeda and the other founding presidents' work is evident in 
the 12 million individuals in 192 countries and territories who share 
the same beliefs and mission the founders established years ago. Most 
notably, the American branch of Soka Gakkai International is the 
largest and most diverse Buddhist community in the United States with 
350,000 members organized in more than 500 chapters nationwide. In 
combination with its 100 centers, the members all actively engage in 
the promotion of sustainable living, human rights, and peace.
  November the 18th has come to symbolize a day when each SGI member 
strengthens their own determination and sense of responsibility to be 
ambassadors of goodwill in the communities they serve. In the DFW 
Metroplex, members of Soka Gakkai International provide enormous 
contributions to the community they serve where their members are 
making individual contributions for peace and freedom.
  I honor Soka Gakkai International's 86th anniversary celebration and 
for their lifetime commitment to peace.

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