[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 836]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        LET'S REMEMBER OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE ON THREE KINGS DAY

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Three Kings Day 
holiday, which is traditionally celebrated on January 6.
  For millions around the world, especially Latinos, the final curtain 
on the holiday season doesn't begin to fall until January 6, Three 
Kings Day. From El Barrio through Mexico and the Carribean all the way 
down to the tip of South America, communities find their own unique way 
to celebrate the Biblical journey of Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar.
  Like Christmas, it is a day for kids and family, a time to exchange 
gifts and celebrate life. Surely, it is also a time to remember that 
acts of kindness and generosity should extend well into the year. Yet, 
perhaps more than any other day of the season, it is day to remember 
the potential that we all have for greatness, especially our children.
  Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar traveled on the wings of hope, 
believing that a better future lay in the hands of this humble child in 
the manger. They did not write him off because he was a carpenter's son 
or because he was poor. They crossed deserts and overcame hurdles 
because they believed that despite his present conditions, his future 
was as bright and limitless as the stars that adorned the sky.
  Unfortunately, not enough of today's children are at the center of 
that kind of investment of time and energy. Despite the tireless work 
of many parents and educators, far too many are falling through the 
cracks in schools that are ill-equipped to teach them the skills that 
they need for work and life.
  So on this last weekend of the holiday season, let all of us resolve 
to renew our commitment to our next generation. The private and public 
sector must work together to arm our children with the necessary tools 
that they will need to realize their goals and dreams. The future of 
this great land rests on their shoulders and how many of them have the 
opportunity to fully shine and reach their full potential.

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