[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 62 (Thursday, April 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL DAY OF SILENCE

  (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to once again recognize the National 
Day of Silence, a day when students and allies, especially in 
California's 19th Congressional District, speak up for the LGBTQ 
community by taking a vow of silence. By remaining silent for an entire 
day, they are highlighting the many challenges faced by our LGBTQ 
youth.
  One student who is taking part is Sion from Delta High School in 
Aptos, California. Sion told me that one's statement doesn't have to be 
loud to be impactful. Instead, the National Day of Silence is powerful 
because it highlights not only the difficulties in discrimination but 
also the resiliency and solidarity of the LGBTQ community.
  Sion believes that this day proves that yelling and outrage are not 
necessarily the only way to be heard and reminds us and reinforces our 
shared dreams of a world where love knows no bounds.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Sion and others for taking part in the 
National Day of Silence. Their willingness to be quiet for one day 
recognizes all of those with the will to speak up every day for the 
LGBTQ community.

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