[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14238]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INVALIDS AND VETERANS OF WORLD 
                      WAR II FROM THE FORMER USSR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the American 
Association of Invalids and Veterans of World War II from the former 
USSR. As members of the Russian army, this group fiercely fought German 
occupation from 1941 to 1945, and after fighting post-war anti-Semitism 
in their own country, they immigrated to the New York City area. 
Tuesday marked the 63rd anniversary of Germany's invasion of the former 
Soviet Union. Today, I am pleased to welcome them to Washington, D.C., 
as they visit the World War II Memorial, and to honor their 
contribution in fighting for peace and liberty in Europe.
  The group of Russian Veterans I honor today fought in many battles 
along the Russian front in World War II, and in major battles in 
Odessa, Moscow, and Stalingrad. As we recently honored millions of 
brave Americans with the opening of the World War II Memorial, I also 
recognize this group of veterans for their contribution to the Allied 
victory. Through their efforts in the Russian armed forces, these 
soldiers played an important role in defeating the Nazis--a victory 
which they celebrated in the streets of Berlin alongside American 
soldiers.
  Their common experiences in the war, in its aftermath, and as 
immigrants to the United States bind them deeply to one another. As The 
New York Times explained, ``As Jews who shared both the deprivations of 
a brutal war against Hitler's forces and postwar anti-Semitism under a 
Soviet system they had risked their lives to preserve, their allegiance 
is not to the former Soviet Union, nor to the Red Army, nor even to 
Mother Russia, but to one another.'' Though the association began in 
1995 with only 30 veterans, it now boasts 3,000 members in New York.
  For their patriotism, for their commitment to freedom and democracy 
in Europe, and for their unyielding commitment to each other, it is my 
privilege to honor the American Association of Invalids and Veterans of 
World War II from the former USSR, and to warmly welcome them to 
Washington, D.C.

                          ____________________