[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8120]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 30, 2004

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the State of 
Israel on the 56th anniversary of its establishment. The brave men and 
women who fought against all odds for the establishment of the State of 
Israel were determined to build a prosperous, democratic land where 
western ideals of freedom and tolerance could live. Now, in 2004, 
Israel stands out more clearly than ever as the ideal its neighbors 
should aspire towards.
  I am proud to have visited Israel, and to have seen firsthand the 
bravery and steadfastness of its people. I look forward to the day when 
Israel's independence day is celebrated around the world as a 
celebration of the values all people of good will share, and a tribute 
to the Israel of yesterday, today, and the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I also ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 
Jewish Federation of Las Vegas for sponsoring Las Vegas' Israel 
Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, May 2, 2004. It is my hope that 
America's citizens will mark this occasion and demonstrate their 
support for the U.S.-Israeli relationship with similar events across 
the country.

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