[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           10TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, tomorrow, the United States Holocaust 
Memorial Museum will mark its 10th anniversary. More than 6,000 
Holocaust survivors and family members will visit the museum this 
weekend to help commemorate the museum's important contributions. 
Together, these men and women comprise a living legacy of the Shoah. By 
sharing their memories, these courageous survivors can help ensure that 
such evil is never again perpetrated against any people, anywhere.
  America is a land of immigrants, and our history demonstrates that we 
are stronger because of our diversity, not in spite of it. But we can 
only live up to the promise of our diversity if we recognize the 
inherent rights and freedom of all human life. One of the most powerful 
ways we can remind each other and our children about the importance of 
this fundamental principle is to ensure that the Holocaust is never 
forgotten.
  For that reason it is fitting that the Holocaust Memorial Museum is 
located on the National Mall. Visitors to this cherished landmark can 
see the Declaration of Independence, the Wright brothers' glider, and 
some of America's most treasured art; all of them vivid reminders about 
the capacity of the human spirit and the promise of mankind. Yet it is 
just as important to teach young people and remind adults about one of 
the darkest chapters of human history. Although the Holocaust was a 
terrible tragedy that stained all humanity, it must never be hidden 
from view.
  The Holocaust Memorial Museum plays a special role in teaching our 
children and grandchildren about this dark chapter in world history. 
This haunting permanent memorial will ensure that future generations 
will learn about this tragedy.
  Survivors and liberators of the Holocaust have a unique opportunity 
to share the stories of this awful period. I thank them for having the 
courage and dignity to survive the horrors of the Holocaust, and for 
having the bravery to share their experiences with others so that it 
may never happen again. Their contributions will help all of us build a 
better America and a better world.

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