April 24, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E623 Dr. Sakharov was a man of great stature in standing that his struggle touched us all. In RECOGNIZING HEAR O’ ISRAEL the Soviet scientific community, working on 1975, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to INTERNATIONAL INC. defense projects of the greatest importance to Dr. Sakharov for his ‘‘personal and fearless ef- the Soviet government. His induction into the fort in the cause of peace.’’ It was, Dr. HON. KEN BENTSEN Academy of Sciences in 1953 made him the Sakharov wrote, ‘‘a great honor for me, as OF TEXAS youngest-ever member of the Academy. He well as recognition for the entire human rights IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enjoyed every privilege that Soviet society had movement in the USSR.’’ Wednesday, April 24, 2002 to offer, but he abandoned his elevated posi- On January 22, 1980, in response to Dr. tion to protest the threat to humankind posed Sakharov’s protests against the Soviet inva- Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, In light of the by nuclear testing and the build up of nuclear sion of Afghanistan, Dr. Sakharov was picked tragedy that struck our nation September 11th, arms. This led to Dr. Sakharov’s becoming a up by the police on a street and sent and the continued violence in the middle east, leader of the effort for internal reform in the into ‘‘Internal exile’’ in the closed city of Gorky. I believe it’s fitting to recognize a valued orga- and a strong advocate for human Joined subsequently by Dr. Elena Bonner, he nization within the Houston community, Hear rights throughout the world. was kept under house arrest, with a round- O’Israel International Inc., which is currently In 1962, Dr. Sakharov proposed to his gov- the-clock police guard, until December 1986. sponsoring its National Mercy, Love and Com- ernment that the Soviet Union sponsor a par- Dr. Bonner describes their plight eloquently in passion Campaign. This year long event is tial Test Ban treaty along the lines proposed her book, Alone Together. being conducted in conjunction with the ongo- by U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower in the ing initiative ‘‘Listen to the Cries of the Chil- late 1950s. On August 5, 1963, the effort re- Meanwhile, at the direction of the Congress, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 21, dren National.’’ Hear O’Israel works to make a sulted in the signing of the Treaty Banning Nu- difference in the lives of the physically chal- clear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in 1983—Dr. Sakharov’s birthday—‘‘National Day.’’ In his published state- lenged, the elderly, neglected children, and Outer Space, and Under Water in Moscow. battered women across Houston. They work to In 1968, The New York Times published Dr. ment, President Reagan praised Dr. give these men and women a stronger sense Sakharov’s ground-breaking essay ‘‘Progress, Sakharov’s ‘‘tireless and courageous efforts on of self-worth and instill in them the need to Coexistence, and Intellectual Freedom’’ which behalf of international peace and on behalf of treat others with compassion and respect. Na- pursued two major themes. The first was to human freedoms for the peoples of the Soviet tional Mercy, Love and Compassion Campaign challenge Soviet authorities to increase intel- Union.’’ has been endorsed by Mayor Lee P. Brown lectual freedom in the interest of peaceful co- Upon his release from internal exile on De- and every member of the Houston City Coun- existence with the West and ending the Cold cember 16, 1986 by Soviet leader Mikhail cil which further demonstrates the high regard War. Conversely, it stimulated Western inter- Gorbachev, Dr. Sakharov continued the fight for Hear O’Israel in our community. est in disarmament and scientific exchanges, for human rights in the Soviet Union and was Hear O’Israel International, Inc., a non-profit, and convinced many opinion-makers in the elected to the newly-formed Congress of Peo- non-denominational organization works to in- West that it was worth entering into a dialogue ple’s Deputies. Just before his death in 1989, crease public awareness of those that are less with Soviet intellectuals and that change from he completed his draft of a new constitution within was possible in the USSR. Ultimately, and submitted it to the Constitutional Commis- fortunate. ‘‘Listen to the Cries of the Children more than 18,000,000 copies of the essay sion. While many of its specific points were National’’ is designed to strengthen unity were printed around the world in various lan- provisional and advanced to provoke debate, among families and further public awareness guages. the draft fundamentally provided for a demo- of the negative consequences that drug Within two years, Dr. Sakharov, along with cratic political system, revoking the Com- abuse, family violence, child abuse, and gang Valery Chalidze and Andrei Tverdokhlebov, munist Party monopoly on power. Indeed, a activity have on children. Another ongoing pro- became one of the three founding members of few months after Dr. Sakharov’s death, the gram worth commending is ‘‘Turning the the Moscow Human Rights Committee. This Congress of People’s Deputies repealed Arti- Hearts of the Fathers back to Their Children gave institutional expression to Sakharov’s de- cle 6 of the Constitution which had provided and the Hearts of Their Children Back to Their veloping interest in human rights and the rule the legal basis for the Communist Party’s mo- Fathers.’’ The mission of this program is to of law as guiding principles in the effort to re- nopoly on power in the Soviet Union. This loss reach out to at risk youth in schools, juvenile form and liberalize the Soviet regime. When of Communist Party monopoly led inexorably justice facilities, and those that may be in- the Helsinki Accords were signed in 1975 by to the collapse of the Soviet Union, which re- volved in gang activity. Additionally, this pro- the Soviet Union, the United States, Canada moved from the earth a vast state that re- gram encourages parents to strengthen their and 32 European countries, he noted that the pressed its own citizens and presented a pow- relationship with their children, in an effort to Accords had meaning ‘‘only if [the Accords] erful military threat to the United States. unite families and bridge existing gaps among are observed fully and by all parties. No coun- Recently, President Putin, a former KGB cultures. try should evade a discussion on its own do- agent himself, called Dr. Sakharov ‘‘a vision- National Mercy, Love and Compassion mestic problems * * * [n]or should a country ary * * * someone who was able to not only Campaign is an initiative to call attention to ignore violations in other participating states. see the future, but to express, to articulate his the plight of children around who do not have The whole point of the Helsinki Accords is mu- thoughts, and do that without any fear.’’ access to adequate food, shelter, clothing, and health care. As a symbol of compassion for tual monitoring, not mutual evasion of difficult Fearless in the face of state repression, suffering children, Hear O’Israel International, problems.’’ principled in his devotion to peace and disar- As he became more committed to the Inc., encourages supporters to adopt a family mament, selfless in the pursuit of human human fights struggle in his country and or an individual in need as a gesture of sup- rights for all, this was Dr. Sakharov’s char- peace throughout the world, Dr. Sakharov port in resounding, the alarm for those who acter. continued to speak out on peace and disar- have been forgotten and many times rejected mament, as well as freedom of association Mr. Speaker, honorary citizenship is con- by our communities. and movement, freedom of speech, against ferred by the United States Government on Again, I would like to recognize Hear capital punishment, and in defense of pre- rare occasions to individuals who have made O’Israel International, Inc. for its efforts to im- serving the environment. extraordinary contributions to this country or to prove and enhance the quality of life for our Such ‘‘heresy’’ against his government’s de- humankind throughout the world. It is and children, and extend my personal best wishes nial of basic human rights brought upon him should remain an extraordinary honor not for a successful and rewarding campaign. lightly conferred nor frequently granted. reprisals from the Soviet government and its f secret police, the KGB. He was barred from Mr. Speaker, I believe that for his contribu- classified work, and many of his professional tion to world peace, the end of the Cold War, TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MICHAEL R. privileges rescinded. Only after a 17-day hun- the recognition of the inextricable link between REGNER ger strike by Dr. Sakharov and his wife and human rights and genuine security and the fellow human rights activist, Dr. Elena Bonner, achievement of human rights, however rudi- HON. IKE SKELTON did authorities allow his daughter-in-law to join mentary in some areas, in the nations of the OF MISSOURI her husband in the United States. Only after former Soviet Union, Dr. Andrei Sakharov is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES another long struggle was Dr. Bonner per- worthy of being posthumously granted hon- Wednesday, April 24, 2002 mitted to go abroad for medical treatment. orary citizenship of the United States. I hope At the same time, the international commu- my colleagues share my enthusiasm for this Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take nity was closely following his efforts, under- initiative and will support this resolution. this means to congratulate and pay tribute to

VerDate 112000 05:57 Apr 25, 2002 Jkt 197001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24AP8.033 pfrm12 PsN: E24PT1 E624 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 24, 2002 Colonel Michael R. Regner, who performed in than half of their 3,100 businesses in Los An- tinel. He has also received well-deserved hon- an outstanding manner as the Marine Corps’ geles, with damages totaling more than $350 ors from the Council for Wisconsin Writers, Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Rep- million. Out of the 200 liquor stores that were which awarded him the Leslie Cross Award for resentatives from May 1999 to May 2002. destroyed during the riots, 175 were Korean- book-length nonfiction, and was the Milwaukee Colonel Regner began his service in the owned. A survey, conducted by the Korean Public Library’s 2000 inductee to the Wis- military in 1976, following graduation from the American Inter-Agency Council 10 months consin Writers Wall of Fame. Citadel. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant, after the riots, found that out of 1,500 re- Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear he commanded Rifle and Weapons Platoons, spondents, about 75 percent had yet to re- John speak, read his books and articles, or a Rifle Company, Headquarters Battalion, and cover from the riots’ after effects, including take one of his neighborhood tours has truly an Infantry Battalion. Colonel Regner was also post-traumatic stress disorder, temporary been enriched by the experience. He is a a recruiter on duty in Little Rock, Arkansas. memory loss, and suicidal tendencies. Some masterful storyteller, bringing Milwaukee’s His staff assignments include duty as Battalion families moved back to Korea, declared bank- colorful and fascinating past to life, and often Logistics and Executive Officer, Staff Sec- ruptcy, or permanently relocated their busi- finding, in the telling, important relevance to retary to the 2nd Marine Division Commander nesses to safer areas. our community’s present and future. and Joint Amphibious Operations Planner and Korean Americans termed the tragic three Milwaukee is a city of immigrants, a weave Partnership for Peace Staff Officer to the Su- days as Sa-ee-gu, which literally translates of many nationalities and cultures. John Gurda preme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. into the numbers 4.29, the first date of the has eloquently captured the histories of our Colonel Regner served with distinction in riots. It is common for Koreans to refer to his- ethnic neighborhoods, including Milwaukee’s Operation Desert Storm, oper- torically and politically significant events by Polonia, or Polish-American community. From ations in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, their dates. Immediately following the riots, the Polonia’s early struggles with poverty and lan- and in Bosnia. He has completed the Ad- Korean American community and its sup- guage barriers to its growth to one of Milwau- vanced Infantry Officer’s Course, Airborne porters held the largest Korean American kee’s largest ethnic groups, John has skillfully Course, Marine Command and Staff College, demonstration in the United States. It signified chronicled the community’s rich Polish herit- and the NATO Defense College. He also the birth of a community shaken but standing age. holds a Masters Degree in Public Administra- firm in demanding its fair share of the riot re- As Gurda himself has said, ‘‘ look back tion/Human Relations. Colonel Regner’s lief funds, adequate representation in govern- to look ahead; the deepest value of the past awards include the Defense Meritorious Serv- ment, corporate responsibility, and accurate is to help the present shape its future.’’ John ice Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, media coverage. Gurda’s gift to Milwaukee’s Polish-American and two Navy and Marine Corps commenda- A decade after the riots, the Korean Amer- community is a deeper connection to its past, tion Medals. ican community vividly recalls the destruction and a greater understanding of its role in our In Colonel Regner’s three years as the Ma- and mayhem of those three days. But more city’s present and future. The Pulaski Council rine Corps’ House Liaison Officer he has pro- importantly, this community has risen from the of Milwaukee has made an outstanding choice vided this Congress with a working knowledge ashes to reclaim their space in American soci- for its 2002 Polish Heritage Award, for John’s of the Marine Corps. He has been instru- ety and regain their dignity as Americans words will continue to educate, inspire and mental in directing Marine Corps legislative through unprecedented levels of civic partici- bring Milwaukee Polonia’s history to life for activities in Congressional hearings, official pation and heightened political consciousness. generations to come. Congratulations, John! travel, constituent services, and other impor- The 1992 Los Angeles Riots forced the Ko- tant legislative functions. rean American community to face a grim re- f Colonel Michael Regner has served our Na- ality, but the future holds a community that NATIONAL PARK WEEK AND tion with distinction for the last 26 years. As has been strengthened and made wiser by NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK he takes post as Commanding Officer of the this experience. The community is in the proc- 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Pen- ess of building its political leadership and es- HON. RICHARD E. NEAL dleton, California, I know that the Members of tablishing the infrastructure and resources OF MASSACHUSETTS the House will join me in wishing him all the necessary to stand up for themselves in times IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES best in the days ahead. of trouble and gain recognition in times of tri- Wednesday, April 24, 2002 f umph. Today, I join the Korean American commu- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, COMMEMORATING THE 10TH ANNI- nity in Los Angeles and nationwide to com- this week we celebrate National Park Week. VERSARY OF THE 1992 LOS AN- memorate the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and to This special commemoration was first pro- GELES RIOTS celebrate the spirit and determination of Ko- claimed in 1991 by President George H.W. rean Americans throughout the country. Bush and has become an annual celebration HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD f of the National Park Service. This week is an OF CALIFORNIA opportunity to celebrate what the National HONORING JOHN GURDA, 2002 POL- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Park Service is all about by educating the ISH HERITAGE AWARD WINNER public about the great work performed by park Wednesday, April 24, 2002 rangers, resource specialists, scientists, man- Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA agers and all the other important employees to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the OF WISCONSIN that make the National Park Service special. 1992 Los Angeles Riots, one of the worst IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In conjunction with National Park Week, Mr. events of its kind in our history and the first Speaker, we also celebrate this week, the multiracial one in the United States. Wednesday, April 24, 2002 many volunteers at our National Parks. These Thousands of people and businesses were Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, On Sunday, volunteers in parks, or VIP’s, play a crucial devastated by the three days of rioting and May 5, 2002, the Pulaski Council of Mil- role in helping Park Service staff with their du- looting, which began on April 29, 1992. Fifty- waukee will be observing Polish Constitution ties. I am proud to recognize the park volun- eight people died, 2,400 were injured, and Day with its 23rd annual Heritage Award Din- teers in my own district, Mr. Speaker. These 11,700 were arrested. Damages totaled $717 ner. This year’s Polish Heritage Award is volunteers at the John H. Chafee Blackstone million. In less than 24 hours, 1,000 fires being given to Milwaukee author and historian River Valley National Heritage Corridor are seized Los Angeles, causing flight delays and John Gurda. making a difference. Whether helping guide a cancellations. Governor Pete Wilson deployed John is a native Milwaukeean, with a life- canoe trip down the Blackstone river or assist- 6,000 National Guard troops at the request of long love for local history. He is author of 13 ing with a historic village tour, these volun- Mayor Tom Bradley. President George Bush books, including his most recent work, The teers make important contributions to the suc- sent 5,500 military troops and law enforce- Making of Milwaukee, a superbly written and cess of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. ment specialists and put the National Guard richly illustrated account of our community’s America’s democratic experiment shines under federal command. past and present. through in the 24 cities in Massachusetts and The Korean American community in Los An- An 8-time winner of the Wisconsin Historical Rhode Island that make up the Blackstone geles, which is home to the largest Korean Society’s Award of Merit, John Gurda serves River Valley. It is a quilt of America’s past, population outside of Seoul, sustained the as a guest lecturer, tour guide and local his- present and future that tells the story of Amer- most damages. Korean Americans lost more tory columnist for the Milwaukee Journal/Sen- ica’s progression from an agrarian society to

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