[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 200]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THREE KINGS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to spend some 
time today to remember the Christian feast of the Epiphany, or as many 
in my community know it, Three Kings Day.
  For millions around the world, especially Latinos, the final curtain 
on the holiday season doesn't begin to fall until today, January 6. 
From El Barrio through Mexico, and the Caribbean all the way down to 
the tip of South America, communities find their own unique ways to 
celebrate the Biblical journey of Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar.
  Like Christmas, Three Kings Day is a day for kids and family, a time 
to not just exchange gifts, but also appreciate what we have. In the 
East Harlem section of my congressional district, the day has been 
marked for 34 years by a children's parade organized by El Museo del 
Barrio. Mr. Speaker, seeing these children in costumes and coats 
walking the streets of Fifth Avenue, you would be instantly reminded 
about how special they each are and the special responsibility we have 
in making sure that they have just as many opportunities to succeed--if 
not more--than any of us standing in these great walls.
  Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar traveled on the wings of hope, 
believing that a better future lay in the hands of a humble child in 
the manger. They did not dismiss him because he was a carpenter's son 
or because he was poor. They did not ask about his immigration status 
or whether his parents had proper paperwork. They crossed deserts and 
overcame hurdles because they believed that his future was as bright 
and limitless as the stars that adorned the sky.
  Unfortunately, not enough of today's children have been given such 
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 necessary for 
work and life.
  So on this last weekend of the holiday season, let all of us remember 
the greatness that lies in each of our children. Let us renew our 
commitment to our next generation by developing partnerships that will 
equip them with the tools they will need to realize their goals and 
dreams.
  Let us remember that acts of kindness and generosity should extend 
well into the year and that the future of this great land depends on 
the opportunities we create for our children to shine and reach their 
full potential.

                          ____________________