[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18642]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             90TH ANNIVERSARY OF AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to congratulate a congregation in my district celebrating 
its 90th anniversary this year. Agudas Achim Congregation in 
Alexandria, Virginia has been a fixture in Northern Virginia as a place 
of worship and a vibrant community. In conjunction with their 90th 
anniversary, the men and women of Agudas Achim are taking the 
opportunity to honor the military veterans who are part of their 
congregation and its extended family.
  Since the Revolutionary War, Jewish servicemen and women have served 
our nation proudly. Whether they served as members of the infantry, 
pilots, doctors, nurses or chaplains, Jewish soldiers have proudly 
defended democracy throughout the world while protecting the freedoms 
of all Americans. Today they continue to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan 
to bring stability and hope to the people and region. Throughout the 
years, Jewish Americans have fought with great honor and distinction.
  Responding to the call for service, Jewish Americans have served in 
the military in greater percentages than their percent of the 
population. They have shown great dedication and love for their nation 
and the rights that are within it. They recognize that freedoms, such 
as the freedom of religion, are not universal values granted to every 
person. Many of our ancestors, especially those of Jewish Americans, 
came to this country to escape religious tyranny. Today, this same 
drive that brought us together, helps us fight to gain these same 
freedoms for people throughout the world.
  We remember those who fearlessly paid the ultimate price in defending 
the United States during times of war, and recall the sacrifice made by 
those who bravely fought and returned home. We also keep in our 
thoughts those who continue to serve our nation proudly in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. Together these men and women have helped preserve the 
freedoms that we cherish. While many have not made it home, I am 
certain there is comfort in knowing they perished fighting for their 
beliefs and for the protection of their families and friends back home.
  I would like to thank all those Jewish men and women and their 
families who have served our nation. Their courage has helped preserve 
basic human rights for people throughout the world. I also thank Agudas 
Achim Congregation for paying tribute to these veterans, and bringing 
attention to their selflessness in defense of freedom. Agudas Achim has 
been at the forefront of defending these freedoms and, in doing so, has 
made Northern Virginia a better place to live.

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