[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 119 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING BASTILLE DAY AND THE PEOPLE OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

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                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 14, 2017

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Bastille 
Day.
  On this day we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and 
democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire 
world.
  Today also marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating and 
tragic loss of life last year in Nice.
  We remember to keep the injured and the deceased in our hearts, and 
we remind ourselves of the strong, persevering character of the French 
Republic.
  Time and time again, all throughout history, the French were able to 
demonstrate strong leadership through tragic times, and that is why the 
United States stands in unyielding solidarity with the people of 
France, which like the United States, is one of the most welcoming 
nations in the world.
  Mr. Speaker, for centuries Paris has been known to the world as the 
City of Light.
  The title is richly deserved, because Paris has been a world leader 
in the march of human progress in the arts, culture, science, 
democratic theory and governance.
  I am proud to mention that in my own city of Houston, we commemorate 
Bastille Day with special celebrations that feature art, dancing, and 
food.
  France embraces the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
  France, and the values it cherishes, showcases a nation that has 
faced and prevailed against the most sinister of lethal adversaries.
   However, we will always ensure that they never confront these 
adversaries alone; they will be joined by the United States and the 
other countries of the civilized world.
  The French are justly proud of their national motto; ``Liberte, 
egalite, fraternite,'' (liberty, equality, fraternity) and no 
perpetrator can ever succeed in leading them to renounce their heritage 
of freedom and justice.

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