Extensions of Remarks E694 HON. ERIC CANTOR
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E694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 23, 2008 and unconditional release of Victor Yunier more than 20 years employed at a local butch- RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- Fernandez Martinez and every political pris- er shop, Emanuel owned one of the most rec- SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE oner in totalitarian Cuba. ognizable faces in his community. He was so MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL f admired within his community, in fact, that his family has received condolences from thou- SPEECH OF IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VIC- sands of people, including some that Emanuel TIMS OF THE VIRGINIA TECH HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY helped send to prison. OF NEW YORK TRAGEDY Emanuel Pickett was serving his second IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tour of duty in Iraq when his life was taken. Tuesday, April 22, 2008 HON. ERIC CANTOR His courage will continue to be an inspiration Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speak- OF VIRGINIA to us all. His life is a strong representation of er, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES what can be accomplished through devotion to Res. 322, a resolution celebrating Israel’s 60th Wednesday, April 23, 2008 a community and its people. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the anniversary. I am proud to have been a co- Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, when an life of Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett. sponsor of this resolution. act of random cruelty bewilders us and pulls Israel proclaimed its statehood on May 14, us down, exceptional displays of generosity, f 1948. On its first day of existence, the armies courage and heroism can serve as a potent of five neighboring Arab countries declared counterforce. They comfort and replenish the HONORING MARIAN BOLTON war on Israel. The war for independence bereaved, and they remind us of the extraor- lasted about a year and resulted in armistice dinary selflessness our people are capable of. HON. TOM UDALL separate agreements, but not before 6,000 Israeli lives were lost. Nowhere has this been truer than in the after- OF NEW MEXICO Within 8 months of independence and be- math of the Virginia Tech tragedy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fore the war ended, Israel held its first national Today, we are faced with the memory of the Wednesday, April 23, 2008 elections. Eighty-five percent of all eligible vot- horrific events that occurred one year ago at ers cast their ballots to create the first 120- Virginia Tech. It is no easier today, than it was Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speak- er, I rise today to congratulate Marian Bolton, seat Knesset or Parliament. then, to find the words to express the pain and A state founded by refugees of and sur- of Albuquerque, New Mexico, upon her up- sorrow that was felt across the Hokie nation. vivors of religious persecution, Israel has been coming retirement from the YMCA. Marian has Once again I stand here with a heavy heart and continues to be one of America’s closest and extend my deepest sympathies to the devoted 38 years of extraordinary service to and most consistent allies. families and friends of all the victims; espe- the ‘‘Y.’’ This desert nation exists in a region that is, cially those of Emily Hilscher and Rachel Hill, Marian, a nationally-recognized leader unfortunately, as steeped in violence as it is two victims from the Seventh District of Vir- among her peers, built her career on a foun- rich in history and tradition. We must do all ginia. We will always be left with their spirit, dation of high principles and character. Cur- that we can to ensure the security of the State energy and enthusiasm that will never die, but rently the President and CEO of the YMCA of of Israel and its people. Just as the United rather will live on in our memories forever. Central New Mexico, Marian has always been States is vital to the survival of Israel, I believe f committed to incorporating the virtues of Char- Israel is also vital to the survival of the United acter Counts, a national organization, into all States. Our countries are linked together on A TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT programs and activities of the ‘‘Y.’’ Because of so many levels. EMANUEL PICKETT her commitment to instilling trustworthiness, Unfortunately, today, Israel has new and in- respect, caring, fairness, responsibility and citi- creasing threats to its security. Palestinian HON. MIKE McINTYRE zenship into her staff, youth and their families, rockets have been fired from Gaza and hit OF NORTH CAROLINA Marian is credited to a large extent with the Israeli communities on an almost daily basis. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES success—personally, academically and profes- More than 200,000 Israeli citizens are within sionally—of countless New Mexicans. range of these Palestinian rockets. One of the Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Marian also has been involved on the inter- saddest aspects of the terrorism situation in Mr. MCINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise national stage with many non-profit agencies. Israel is that it grabs the newspaper headlines today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Emanuel A true champion for equal opportunities for all, and distracts the world from seeing the many Pickett of Wallace, North Carolina, who lost regardless of race, culture or background, she advances made by Israel in democracy and his life while defending our Nation on April 6 has volunteered her time and unwavering ef- human rights, science, agriculture, transpor- during a mortar attack in Baghdad. In addition forts to conducting workshops in such areas tation, and so many other areas. to his service in the North Carolina National as agency management, financial develop- Despite nearly impossible odds, Israel’s will Guard, Emanuel served as a captain with the ment, volunteerism, values and balancing per- to survive and her people’s dogged determina- Wallace, North Carolina, Police Department. sonal and professional lives, to name only a tion have resulted in the development of a He shall be remembered by all those whose few. Marian has also traveled to many coun- thriving democracy in one of the globe’s least lives he touched as the finest example of tries whose youth are affected by such tragic democratic regions. In fact, in only 60 years bravery, honor, and public service. conditions as poverty, hunger, slavery and Israel has grown into a mature democracy that Emanuel lived in Wallace his entire life, and lack of education and medical care. She has has produced some of the finest thinkers, sci- throughout his 34 years, worked selflessly to labored tirelessly to help improve their lives entists and entrepreneurs of the modem era. We must never forget the conditions that, in make a positive difference in his community. through the vital resources of the YMCA. many respects, laid the foundation for the cre- Besides working as a captain with the Wallace Marian Bolton is the consummate success- ation of the State of Israel. After one of the Police Department, he also worked as a re- ful executive, who passionately cares about most horrific atrocities in human history, the serve deputy for the Duplin County Sheriff’s the lives of others. She has devoted her life to Holocaust, Israel was established as a home office, where he led undercover drug inves- bringing as much motivation, education, train- to a nearly decimated people. It is often said tigations in several surrounding counties. ing, tools for success, a positive attitude and, that we must ‘‘never forget’’ the horrors and Emanuel’s giving spirit found many outlets. He perhaps most importantly, hope for those striv- the lessons of the Holocaust. And since April also started a crime watch in his own neigh- ing for a better and brighter future. Her wis- is Holocaust Remembrance month, this is an borhood, helped to found a program to mentor dom, experience and expertise is known appropriate time to reaffirm our unyieldingly kids without fathers, and coached youth bas- across the globe, and she is highly sought strong obligation to our friend and ally and ketball. after for consultation and training for those vow to ‘‘never forget’’ our commitment to Emanuel will be missed by his family and seeking to follow in her successful footsteps. Israel. friends. He was the son of Harry and Merlese I invite all my colleagues to join me in con- The United States and the all of the nations Pickett, the youngest of six children. He was gratulating Marian Bolton for her enormous of the world have a moral responsibility to en- the loving father of three children—two daugh- contributions and accomplishments. Her shoes sure and support the existence of the State of ters, ages 17 and 10, and a 14-year-old son. will be difficult to fill. On behalf of all New Israel. Over his lifetime, Emanuel earned countless Mexicans, I extend our very best wishes to H. Con. Res. 322 recognizes the historical friends. Because of his thirteen years of serv- Marian for much happiness, success and ful- significance of Israel’s 60th anniversary, sup- ice with the police department and his stint of fillment during the next stage of her life. ports Israel as it continues to pursue peace VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:47 Apr 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23AP8.013 E23APPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC77 with REMARKS April 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E695 with its neighbors, commends the people of pendence, the Grand National Assembly met I stand to commemorate this important date Israel for helping to create a thriving democ- in Ankara to lay the foundation for modern dedicated to the children of the world and re- racy, and acknowledges the strong bonds that parliamentary democracy in the form of an member its origins in Turkey in 1920.