September 30, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1681 Postal Service should issue a stamp honoring manities, in art and culture. We have grown to also us to become more aware of the many the holiday ‘‘Diwali’’, also known as the Fes- be a great Nation, home to a great people, charitable organizations which She has found- tival of Lights. with tremendous hopes and incredible dreams ed and has worked so hard to make success- The Citizens Stamp Advisory Commission for the future. And it all began right here in ful. One of the more important of these is the under the U.S. Postal Service currently issues Federal Hall. Foundation for the Promotion of Supple- many stamps with holiday themes, including One year ago, terrorists attacked America. mentary Occupations and Related Tech- Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and most re- Their targets were not simply the buildings niques, or SUPPORT. SUPPORT was found- cently, Eid. The Commission has not issued a they destroyed and the people they murdered. ed in 1976 under Her Majesty’s royal patron- stamp honoring Diwali, and I am hopeful that They were attacking the very ideals that define age and chairmanship and provides outlets for we will soon have a U.S. postal stamp com- what it means to be an American. They want- local wares and handicrafts from all regions of memorating this beautiful festival celebrated in ed to drive us apart and make us afraid. the Kingdom. The promotion and sales of India and throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that they these items provide extra income-generating Diwali is one of the most important and failed. occupations for farmers who find it difficult to colorful of the Indian festivals and is cele- Faced with tragedy and destruction, the subsist on farm incomes alone. By supporting brated enthusiastically by Indians all over the people of the United States, and particularly these cottage and indigenous industries, the world. It marks the beginning of the Hindu the people of New York, came together as Foundation also help keep alive dying arts, New Year and is seen as a brand new begin- one community. We gathered the emotional such as traditional clay ‘‘chao wang’’ dolls and ning for all. resources to survive and heal, and we pulled tie-dye ‘‘mud-mee’’ silk. Many of my col- Traditionally Diwali is celebrated for five together the financial resources to rebuild. leagues and I are looking forward to seeing days, each day having its own significance, rit- This has not been easy. It takes incredible the display of products and activities of the uals and myths. Light, in the form of candles courage to move forward after a tragedy like SUPPORT Foundation at the gala dinner and lamps, is a crucial part of Diwali, rep- 9–11. But we did find that courage within our- which will be presided over by Her Majesty at resenting the triumph of light over darkness, selves. the Jefferson Building of the Library of Con- goodness over evil and hope for the future. That is why it is so fitting that we are here gress on October 9. During Diwali people light small oil lamps in New York today. One year after September One of the highlights of the Queen’s visit and place them around the home to pray for 11, we are rededicating our Nation. The terror- will be to preside over the premier of the Thai health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame. ists have not won. They have lost. Our Nation film The Legend of Suriyothai at the John F. Fireworks are an exciting part of Diwali and is stronger and more united. Our freedom, our Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts here the celebration of the festival is also custom- courage, our determination, our unity, our di- in Washington. This critically acclaimed film by arily accompanied by exchanging sweets. versity, our charity and our democracy are our one of Thailand’s most experienced film- The rich culture associated with the Diwali strengths. New York has exhibited all of these makers, Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol, is an tradition includes observation of this holiday by strengths in abundance in the last year. And epic historical motion picture that portrays one Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslims and they are everywhere in America. of Thailand’s foremost heroines, Queen Phra Buddhists. Diwali is a time for communal gath- f Suriyothai. She fought and died to protect Her erings and spiritual enlightenment. People husband and king’s life and Her actions united from across the world make an effort to visit WELCOMING HER MAJESTY QUEEN Her people to win a war against an invading their family, friends and neighbors on this SIRIKIT OF THAILAND TO THE army in the 14th century. wonderful holiday. UNITED STATES During Her visit to the United States, Queen The spirit of Diwali has survived political, Sirikit will also travel to Houston, Texas, where economic and social vicissitudes throughout HON. JOHN B. LARSON She will be presented with The University of history, while always carrying the universal OF CONNECTICUT Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Award symbolism of the triumph of light, goodness, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for Humanitarian Service. This award will rec- knowledge and truth. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Thursday, September 26, 2002 ognize Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to im- Diwali is an exceptionally rich and culturally proving the health and well being of the peo- significant holiday that expresses hope and for Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I ple of Thailand and for international leadership these reasons, this holiday should be com- rise today to welcome Her Majesty Queen in health and the environment. Former Presi- memorated as a United States postal stamp. Sirikit of Thailand on her visit to the United dent and Mrs. George Bush will also host tea Mr. Speaker, I feel that Diwali is truly a mar- States from October 4 to 16, 2002. for Her Majesty during Her stay in Houston. velous holiday that deserves recognition. As Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues in Mr. Speaker, given the importance of our re- the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee con- the House are undoubtedly aware, Thailand lationship with Thailand and in recognition all tinues it plans for issuing new stamps, I hope and the United States have been friends for Queen Sirikit has done to improve the lives of that it will consider issuing a Diwali stamp to almost two centuries. Our formal relations ex- Her subjects and people throughout the world, honor this culturally significant holiday cele- tend back 169 years to the signing of the I rise today to welcome Her Majesty to the brated in the United States and abroad. Treaty of Amity and Commerce between our United States and to urge my colleagues in f two nations on March 20, 1833, during the joining me in honoring one of the world’s most Presidency of Andrew Jackson, the seventh respected humanitarians. COMMEMORATIVE JOINT MEETING United States President, and the reign of His f OF CONGRESS, FEDERAL HALL, Majesty King Phra Nang Klao, or King Rama NEW YORK, NEW YORK III, of the Chakri Dynasty. This Treaty was the HONORING MR. MICHAEL G. first such treaty that the United States had ANZILOTTI FOR HIS YEARS OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN concluded with any Asian country and it con- DEDICATION TO HIS COMMUNITY OF WISCONSIN tains a pledge to establish ‘‘a perpetual IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES peace’’ between our two countries. I believe HON. TOM DAVIS that this pledge has been honored during the Thursday, September 26, 2002 OF VIRGINIA long and happy relationship between Thailand IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, today we gath- and the United States as we have so often er here in Federal Hall to honor and recog- fought side by side and have made countless Thursday, September 26, 2002 nized the courage and determination of the sacrifices for one another in defense of our Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I survivors of the horrible terrorist attacks of common values. I’d also like to remind my col- would like to take this opportunity to pay trib- September 11, 2001. It is fitting that we do so. leagues that His Majesty King Bhumibol ute to Mr. Michael G. Anzilotti for receiving the It was here in Federal Hall that the new Adulyadej Maharaj, Thailand’s present King, 2002 Gala & Community Leadership Award. Congress of the United States first met in was born some 75 years ago in Cambridge, Mr. Anzilotti deserves praise for his long- 1789 to govern our new Nation. It was here in Massachusetts, where His father, His Royal time commitment, and the ongoing involve- New York that our founding fathers passed the Highness Prince Mahidol, was studying at the ment of his firm, to community service. He laws that are the foundation for our democratic Harvard Medical School. graduated in 1971 from Virginia Polytechnic political system. From this solid foundation, In addition to highlighting the strong ties be- Institute and State University with a Bachelor’s our Nation has grown and prospered. Our tween the United States and Thailand, the of Science Degree in marketing. In addition he people have excelled in science, in the hu- Queen’s visit to the United States will allow has received a Masters’s Degree in Business VerDate Sep<04>2002 02:59 Oct 01, 2002 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26SE8.025 E30PT1.