John Joseph Moakley: “Mr. Speaker, today I am very proud to rise in support of this resolution to recognize El Salvador for its fair and free…”

“Mr. Speaker, today I am very proud to rise in support of this resolution to recognize El Salvador for its fair and free elections. The people and the leaders of that nation have made a commitment toward peace and justice that just a few years ago seemed impossible. On behalf of the people in this country who feel a great affinity for El Salvador, I rise to thank and also to congratulate them. As many Members know, I have been in El Salvador many times. Unfortunately, it was not always under the best set of circumstances. The gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. McGovern] and I went down to try to solve the murders of the six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter. During those times we met Salvadorans from all walks of life. I have looked into the scared and often sad faces of the Salvadoran people during their brutal civil war. But I have also seen them since. I have been to El Salvador during peacetime and seen their fear replaced by hope. Over the last few years, I have developed a great fondness and a great respect for the Salvadoran people, and their most recent democratic election is cause for great celebration.”