[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6474]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HOLOCAUST MARTYRS AND HEROES REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, 
Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day. We pause as a Nation on 
this day to remember the 6 million Jews who perished under Nazi 
oppression.
  Between 1938 and 1945, the Nazi government systematically attempted 
to annihilate the entire Jewish population simply because of its 
religion, culture, and history. Countless families were torn apart, 
entire communities decimated.
  On Yom Hashoah, we not only mourn for those who lost their lives, we 
mourn for one of humanity's darkest times. And we reflect on what 
hatred, ignorance, indifference and prejudice can do to mankind when 
allowed to breed unchecked.
  Yom Hashoah also marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising 
of 1943. It is a time to reflect on the bravery of those who fought for 
justice, freedom and for survival in the face of torture and 
oppression.
  It is fitting then, that this year's Yom Hashoah theme is ``Legacies 
of Justice,'' honoring the Holocaust survivors who stood as witnesses 
during the Nuremberg Trials.
  Their legacy calls on us to never forget the atrocities that occurred 
and to never again turn our backs on human suffering, regardless of 
where it occurs in the world. They call on us to stand for freedom--not 
only for ourselves but also for all humanity--to fight for those too 
weak to defend themselves, and to stand vigilant against apathy and 
hatred.
  Today as we commemorate our Jewish martyrs and heroes at the National 
Rotunda, let us remember our duty to speak out against suffering and 
injustice.
  We best honor the 6 million who perished at the hands of hatred by 
fighting against anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, and other forms of 
discrimination that seek to divide us.
  And we must vow to never allow such tragedies to happen again. For 
our sake, for our children's sake, and for the sake of humanity.

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