E900 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 13, 1997 many years. He has always been and will con- bear in mind that this milestone is not a remember and know what to do with these tinue to be a good citizen and a great friend. celebration. memories. This can only be a commemoration. f I am fully confident that survivors will con- The loss is too enormous, the pain is too deep and the memories are too traumatic. tinue to be in the forefront of remembrance REMARKS OF MILES LERMAN, because all of us firmly believe that destiny CHAIRPERSON OF THE U.S. HOL- So let us use this auspicious moment to take stock of our accomplishments of the has chosen us to survive and become the OCAUST MEMORIAL COUNCIL AT last fifty years. guardians of this sacred flame. THE NATIONAL DAYS OF RE- This is a legacy we must fulfill. This is an MEMBRANCE CEREMONY When the Nazi nightmare finally ended, we stood on the smoldering ruins of a devastated obligation that we and our children will carry Europe, our families murdered, our homes de- for the rest of our days. HON. TOM LANTOS stroyed or occupied by strangers and our Thank you. OF CALIFORNIA dreams completely shattered. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We had every reason to feel bitter with the A TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTER Tuesday, May 13, 1997 world, suspicious and distrustful. McELVAIN Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, at an extremely As a matter of fact, there were those who moving ceremony in the rotunda of the United believed that we survivors would never be States Capitol last Thursday, Members of able to fit in and readjust to a normal society HON. BRAD SHERMAN Congress, the diplomatic corps, representa- again. OF CALIFORNIA tives of our Nation's executive and judicial Fortunately, we proved them wrong. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES branches, and hundreds of survivors of the We have mastered the strength to rebuild Tuesday, May 13, 1997 our lives and become a constructive part of Holocaust with their friends and family gath- Mr. SHERMAN Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ered to commemorate the National Days of the communities that we live in. We have every reason to be proud of our honor ``Red'' McElvain for his lifetime of serv- Remembrance. This was an occasion when ice with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. we take the time to remember the horror and accomplishments. Fifty years ago we came to the shores of Indeed his dedication to serve our Nation and inhumanity of the Holocaust. community is a model of civic duty. In 1933, more than 9 million Jews lived in America not knowing the language or the cus- Red grew up in the San Fernando Valley continental Europe. Over the next decade the toms of this country. Most of us came here and graduated from North Hollywood High countries where these men and women and penniless and most of us without any technical School. While in high school he excelled in children lived were invaded, occupied, or an- or professional training. But in spite of these football, track, baseball, and basketball letter- nexed by Nazi Germany. By the end of the shortcomings by sheer tenacity, by hard work ing in each sport. Although his athletic prow- Second World War, 2 of every 3 of these Eu- and decent conduct, the survivors have man- ess earned him scholarship offers to several ropean Jews were dead, and European Jew- aged to make an impact on the economic and colleges, he opted to serve his Nation in the ish life was forever changed. As my col- cultural development of their respective com- Army. As an enlisted man, he was part of the leagues know, I was one of those fortunate in- munities or even beyond. Some of you whom we have chosen as Elite 11th and 82d Airborne Ranger Divisions. dividuals who survived that horrible era. Upon completing his tour in the Army, Red Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the unspeak- symbols of this miraculous revival, created became a firefighter. In his 39 years as a fire- able horror of the Holocaust and the impor- new industries and are giving employment to fighter he has had experience in several dif- tance that we never forget that tragedy, the thousands of people. ferent types of companies. Among his assign- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council was estab- With your entrepreneurial spirit, some of you ments, he has worked on both engine and lished by Congress to preserve the memory of have managed to change the skylines of many truck companies, and he has specialized in the victims of the Holocaust. One of the most cities in America. airport crash and helicopter operations. His important tasks in this effort is the annual We survivors have every reason to be espe- experience not only makes him extremely ver- Days of Remembrance commemoration in the cially proud of our families and the children we satile, but allows him to serve as a mentor to rotunda of our Nation's Capitol. I commend have managed to raise. many of the new recruits. both the Council and the members of the We succeeded to instill in them all the posi- When away from work Red is actively in- Days of Remembrance Committee for their tive characteristics mankind has to offer; volved in his local community. He donates his achievement this year, and I want to pay par- healthy work habits, love for study, and a de- time to local youth sports, school visitations, ticular tribute to the chairperson of the Coun- sire to aim for excellence. As a result of this, our children have and other charitable events. Firefighter cil, my dear friend Miles Lerman, for his ex- reached very impressive levels in the fields of McElvain lives his life in accordance with Wil- traordinary effort. The time of this year's Days of Remem- science, technology and performing arts. liam Penn's sentiments when he wrote, ``The brance commemoration was ``From Holocaust So let us commemorate the 50th anniver- public must and will be served.'' Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent to New Life.'' This remarkable ceremony cele- sary of new life in America with a sense of Red McElvain, he is a deserving recipient of brated the lives and legacy of those on those gratitude that it was our fate to defy Hitler's the City Fire Department's Outstanding Per- who survived those darkest of days, and came evil plans. A sense of achievement for having been formance Award. to a new beginning here in the United States. able to play a role in re-igniting the sparks of f As one survivor explained ``America gave me Jewish creativity. the opportunity to be a human being again.'' I But above all, we are here to express our FLOOD RELIEF—FALMOUTH, KY fully understand those feels, Mr. Speaker. At the national civic commemoration, Chair- deep gratitude to our new homeland, the Unit- person Miles Lerman, delivered an outstand- ed States of America and its people, for giving HON. SAM JOHNSON ing speech on this solemn occasion. Mr. the survivors of the Holocaust an opportunity OF TEXAS Speaker, I ask that his remarks be placed in to pick up the broken shards and start rebuild- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing our devastated lives all over again. This is the RECORD, and I urge my colleagues to read Tuesday, May 13, 1997 them. a gratitude that we will carry deep in our hearts forever and ever. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Salutations! In the days when the Jewish in the wake of the flooding along the Licking communities of Europe were rapidly being I commend Ben Meed, the chairman of the wiped off from the surface of the Earth and National Days of Remembrance and his com- River in Kentucky, I would like to recognize in the moments of our deepest despair, we mittee for designating this year's remem- the following 56 men who gave of their per- clung to hope in spite of hopelessness. We brance ceremony as a day of contemplation sonal money, time, and energy to assist with dared to dream without really believing that and a day of thanksgiving. flood relief. At the invitation of Senator Gex our dreams would ever come true. However, we must bear in mind the expres- Williams, they served in and around the towns Who of us would have believed then that sions of gratitude cannot be limited to words of Butler and Falmouth, KY, for a period of 3 the day would come when hundreds of survi- only. Remembrance is only meaningful if it is weeks from March 7±28, 1997. During this vors would gather in the Capitol rotunda in the heart of historic America to demonstrate translated into deedsÐtangible deeds. time they assisted the local emergency relief our commitment to remembrance. During the creation and the building of the agencies in the salvage, cleanup, and demoli- Today as we commemorate the milestone Holocaust Memorial Museum, survivors have tion of homes and businesses that had been of 50 years of new life in America, we must demonstrated by tangible deeds that they do damaged, while spreading goodwill, faith, May 13, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E901 hope, and charity wherever they went. Their Rights Award as well as the Sakarov Prize for from the Rio Hondo Police Academy. While at sacrifice, diligence, and thoroughness con- Freedom of Thought. the academy he was voted the No. 1 cadet in veyed a true sense of brotherly love to the citi- Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to call his class. As a rookie on the force, Edward zens of Butler and Falmouth. The experiences on the Chinese Government to release Wei quickly earned the respect of his fellow offi- these men received while serving will enrich Jingsheng. cers with his maturity, quick learning ability, their lives permanently, causing them to be- f and thorough training. Within his first year on come better citizens, and thus have a greater the force he was consistently at the top of pro- impact on the world around them. IN SUPPORT OF WEI JINGSHENG ductivity statistics. Edward has qualified for the LISTING OF STUDENTS AND (STATES) highly prestigious 10851 CVC Award every Ryan Batterton (WA), Joel Beaird (TX), HON. SAM GEJDENSON year that he has been on the force. Johnathan Bowers (TN), Michael Braband OF CONNECTICUT Officer Hernandez has become a crucial (MO), Jason Butler (AL), David Carne (OR), IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES member of the department's Special Re- Thomas Chapman (MI), Charles Churchill II Tuesday, May 13, 1997 sponse Team. Drawing upon his background (NC), James Clifford (ON), Andrew Cope (SC), in the U.S. Marine Corps, he has helped to Geoff Davis (KY), Timothy Davis (CA), Ben- Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise again train the team for tactical situations. Edward jamin Easling (WA), Paul Ellis (MS). today to express my support for Wei has received numerous commendations for his Steve Dankers (WI), Paul Elliott (WY), Jingsheng and to call upon the Government of high quality work and consistent professional- Ron Fuhrman (MI), Matthew Harry (MI), the People's Republic of China to release Mr. ism. Timothy Hayes (NY), James Huckabee, Jr. Wei immediately and to provide him with prop- (MO), Hans Jensen (CA), Joshua Johnson Officer Hernandez' hard work and profes- (WA), Daniel Lamb (CA), Aaron Lantzer er medical care. sionalism make him an extraordinary law en- (MI), Eric Lantzer (MI), Clayton Lord (KS), As the title of his book indicates, Wei forcement officer. These traits, coupled with Jason Luksa (TX), Joshua Menge (GA). Jingsheng has had the courage to stand alone his leadership abilities, ensure that he will Larry Mooney (OH), John Nix (TX), Steve in his demands for democracy in China. Chi- have a significant impact on the San Fernando Nix (TX), Daniel Norwood (GA), Keon na's most famous political prisoner has been Police Department for years to come. Indeed, Pendergast (CA), Matthew Pennell (DE), incarcerated for almost 20 years. But this has the people of San Fernando are safer with Of- James Penner (OH), Daniel Reynolds (MN), not kept him silent. His collection of letters ficer Hernandez on the force. Tim Rogers (NY), Gregg Rozeboom (MI), ``The Courage to Stand Alone'' revives echoes As Theognis stated, ``* * * but to few men Joshua Schoenborn (WA), David Servideo of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ``Letters From a (VA), Adam Shelley (MO), Michael Shoe- comes the gift of excellence.'' Edward Hernan- maker (IN). Birmingham Jail.'' The moral power of Wei's dez is one of those few to whom excellence Chad Sikora (MI), Jeremy Smith (KY), words inspire the international campaign to is not a goal, but an expectation. His work ex- Chuck Stewart (WV), Daniel Strahan (IN), nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. emplifies the values and work ethic of the resi- Joshua Tanner (MI), David Thomas (MI), Mr. Speaker, recent alarming news from dents of San Fernando. I am honored to rec- Timothy Tuttle (OR), Arial Vanderhorst Wei's family underscore his need for imme- ognize his service. (KS), Daniel Weed (NY), Scott Westendorf diate medical attention. His long suffering from f (OR), Shane White (KY), Jared Wickam (IL), heart disease and arthritis is now being Brian Wicker (AZ), Matthew Wood (WA). compounded by debilitating back pain. A wors- RUSSIA f ening neck problem is preventing him from even lifting his head. Reports indicate he has HON. SAM JOHNSON IN SUPPORT OF WEI JINGSHENG not seen a doctor in more than a year. This OF TEXAS medical neglect must end, he must be given IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES proper medical treatment. HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN Tuesday, May 13, 1997 OF NEW YORK Mr. Speaker, Wei Jingsheng languishes in a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES prison because he refuses to be silent in his Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as this Congress deliberates the issues facing Tuesday, May 13, 1997 support of democracy and human rights. The world's focus on fellow dissidents such as our Nation and the world today, I would like to Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Vaclev Havel and Adam Michik helped turn bring to your attention a group of young peo- to urge the Chinese Government to release the tide in other oppressive societies. That ple and families who are taking significant Wei Jingsheng and allow him to receive the same glare of moral outrage must now shift to steps to strengthen society in our country and medical treatment he desperately needs. Wei China's treatment of Wei Jingsheng. around the globe. In particular, I would like to has been an outspoken and articulate advo- The cases of Wei Jingsheng, Hao Fuyuan, commend 384 such individuals who have re- cate for democratic reform in China and is cur- and so many others jailed in the People's Re- cently returned from Moscow, Russia, where rently imprisoned for his efforts. public of China represent an ongoing struggle. they have been involved over the 1995±96 Wei has spent much of his adult life in pris- It is a battle that not only their families and school year in providing character education on. He was arrested in 1979 for his participa- friends must wage but a fight that all who be- for orphans, public school children, college tion in the Democracy Wall movement, during lieve in justice and freedom must join. young people, juvenile delinquents, and fami- which he argued that the government's mod- And so, Mr. Speaker I ask my colleagues lies. They have been serving at their own ex- ernization plans were impossible without and supporters of liberty throughout this coun- pense under the authority and official invitation democratic reform. He remained in prison until try and across the globe to join me in de- of the Moscow department of education. Their 1993 when he was released on the eve of the manding freedom and proper medical care for success continues to be heralded throughout International Olympic Committee's decision Wei Jingsheng. Moscow by television, newspaper, and word of about whether to award the 2000 Olympics to f mouth among the citizens and leaders of Rus- Beijing. sia. Furthermore, the credentials and strength- Wei was arrested again in 1994, for his con- A TRIBUTE TO EDWARD ening that this experience provides for those tinued outspokenness and only days after HERNANDEZ who have taken part will heighten the success meeting with Assistant Secretary for Democ- of their work in their own home communities racy, Human Rights, and Labor, John HON. BRAD SHERMAN as they continue to serve families and young Shattuck. Wei was held incommunicado for 20 OF CALIFORNIA people through positive character training and months and has been sentenced to another IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES practical assistance. 14 years imprisonment. He is due to be re- John Arnett (NC), Breton Alberty (LA), leased in 2009. Wei's family has not been Tuesday, May 13, 1997 Evangeline Alexander (AL), Adam Allen able to see him since February and he is very Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay (CA), Hugh Allen (CA), Karen Allen (CA), ill. He suffers from arthritis, high blood pres- tribute to an exceptional young police officer, Matthew Allen (CA), Rachelle Allen (CA), sure, and heart disease, but is not receiving Edward Hernandez. In only a few years Offi- Charles Astone (AZ), Jeri Lynn Backus (AR), Jerome Backus (AR), Martha Backus (AR), effective medical treatment. cer Hernandez has established himself as one Sunny Barja (NC), Donny Barr (GA), Lindsay Today, we mark the publication of Wei's of the San Fernando Police Department's top Bain (NZ), Simon Bain (NZ), Aileen Bair book, ``The Courage to Stand Alone: Letters officers. (OH), David Bair (OH), John Bair (OH), Peter From Prison and Other Writings.'' Wei has re- Officer Hernandez joined the San Fernando Bair (OH), Robert Bair (OH), Stephen Bair ceived the 1994 Robert F. Kennedy Human Police Department in 1993, after graduating (OH), Kelly Battson (CA), James Beaird (TX),