[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9628]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       PISKARYOVSKOYE MEMORIAL CEMETERY AT ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the eyes of the world have 
been on Moscow this week as Allies celebrated the 60th anniversary of 
victory over Nazism.
  When Russians historically held off the 900-day siege of Leningrad, 
St. Petersburg served as an extraordinary front in Russia. The 
Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery at St. Petersburg is a vivid reminder 
of this sacrifice, containing over 600,000 deceased in the largest mass 
grave in history.
  On Sunday, I joined Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in representing 
the United States at a wreath laying ceremony attended by 
representatives from 30 other nations. The program was inspiring and 
recognized the restored friendship of the people of Russia and America.
  St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko, Vice Governor Aleksandr 
Prokhorenko, and the courageous Siege veteran essayist Daniil Granin 
served as the gracious hosts of our visit. Each host sincerely conveyed 
warm Russian hospitality in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
  Additionally, the professional staff of the U.S. Consulate at St. 
Petersburg including the U.S. Marine contingent was very helpful. 
Acting Consul General Karen Malzahn with her staff have a proven record 
of enthusiasm and continues to represent America at its best.

                          ____________________