[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        FREEDOM IS NOT FOR FREE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues the 
following prayer written by Rabbi Reuven Mann from Congregation Rinat 
Yisrael in Plainview, New York.

       Almighty G-d, we have gathered here today at a crucial 
     moment in our history to honor the memory of all those who 
     fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our 
     Nation and its ideals of freedom, compassion and the highest 
     cultivation of the human spirit. We came not only to honor 
     but also to affirm the lesson of their sacrifice: Freedom is 
     not an entitlement; it does not come for free, it is 
     something which has to be fought for. With humbleness and 
     gratitude let us acknowledge a simple truth: We owe these 
     heroes everything. Without them, we would have lost our 
     freedom long ago.
       Yet, many people do not feel this way and take what we have 
     here for granted believing that the American way of life is 
     somehow ``coming'' to them. 9/11 was a wake up call--which 
     happened, to a large extent because nobody believed it could 
     happen. Let us admit it: We were afflicted with the cancer of 
     complacency and blinded by the illusion of invincibility. 
     Suddenly our country was under attack by a merciless, 
     barbaric enemy who wanted us destroyed. 9/11 was a wake up 
     call, but all too many decided to push the snooze button and 
     go back to sleep.
       The enemy does not sleep. He continues to remind us of his 
     barbarism and cruelty by beheading innocent Americans and 
     proudly recording his sadism on camera. 9/11 was a wake up 
     call and the message is: If we do not appreciate our freedom 
     and are not willing to fight for it, there is no guarantee 
     that we will always have it. Therefore, I call on all of you 
     to renew your appreciation for our country and its values for 
     we are at war and every war requires the full support of the 
     home front.
       We have gathered here today to honor the heroes past and 
     present whose valiant dedication makes our freedom possible. 
     I would be remiss if I did not include among them the 
     civilian heroes of 9/11, the firefighters, police and first 
     responders, who charged into the line of fire to save 
     thousands on that dark day. They wrote a new chapter in the 
     history of bravery and self-sacrifice, and they will never be 
     forgotten.
       Almighty G-d, Creator of the Universe, may their selfless 
     service inspire us to appreciate all the blessings that You 
     have bestowed on this Nation. Let their memory be for a 
     blessing--motivating us to become better people: more 
     productive, compassionate, and respectful of the dignity of 
     all men and women who were created in Your Image. And may 
     Your Guidance and Protection be with our men and women who 
     are right now in harms way, to give them the strength, 
     courage and dedication to complete the mission in which they 
     have performed so magnificently. May they speedily return in 
     good health to their country, their homes and loved ones. And 
     let us say: Amen.

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