U.S. House of Representatives Congratulates RFE/RL on 60 Years

On Nov. 4, the United States House of Representatives passed H.Res. 641, honoring Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on its 60th anniversary and commending both its past and present adherence to the democratic principles on which it was founded in 1949.

The resolution "congratulates the organization on six decades of helping to keep the spark of freedom alive in some of history's darkest hours and salutes the men and women of RFE/RL for their continuing commitment to the free flow of information," said Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, speaking on the resolution's behalf in Congress.

The text of the resolution mentions testimony by leaders such as Vaclav Havel and Lech Walesa to RFE/RL's role in the fall of communism, while applauding RFE/RL for continually overcoming intimidation from hostile governments and threats to its journalists, who have risked their lives in service of its mission.

 "Journalists such as these [...] are heroes, fighting with determination for freedom," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.). "I am proud to have authored this resolution in recognition of their brave efforts and proud of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's six decades of service in the promotion of freedom."

--Abby Holekamp