HONORING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ANDRA BUCCI

HONORING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ANDRA BUCCI

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [House] [Page H514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1045 HONORING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ANDRA BUCCI The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) for 5 minutes. Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andra Bucci, a Holocaust survivor whose remarkable story of resilience, survival, and education continues to inspire generations. Andra and her sister, Tatiana, were just 4 and 6 years old when they were taken from their home in Italy and sent to Auschwitz. A tragic case of mistaken identity saved their lives. Josef Mengele, the so- called Angel of Death, believed they were twins and spared them for his inhumane experiments. Their father, a prisoner of war in South Africa, had no idea if his family had survived. Their mother, in an act of extraordinary courage, risked her life to visit them inside the camp, reminding them never to forget their names and never to let their identity be reduced to a tattooed number. After the war, the sisters were placed in an orphanage run by Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund Freud. They believed they were alone in the world until a picture, the same picture they had kissed every night in Auschwitz, arrived with a letter. Their parents had survived. They were among the rarest of Holocaust survivors: children whose entire family made it through. Today, Andra Bucci calls Sacramento County home, but she and her sister have never stopped telling their story. Since 1995, they have returned to Auschwitz bringing hundreds of students with them to ensure the world never forgets. Just recently, Andra spoke in my district where she shared her harrowing testimony. Madam Speaker, as the years pass, the voices of Holocaust survivors grow fewer, but their stories never fade. Never Again is not just a phrase. It is a command. It is our responsibility to remember, to educate, and to stand against hatred in all forms. May Andra's story and the stories of all survivors live on. Congratulating Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the exceptional students of Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band for outstanding achievement. This talented group has been selected to compete at the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City. This is one of the most distinguished honors in high school jazz, and Rio Americano has now earned this recognition for the 12th time, the most of any high school in California. Sacramento has long been known for its vibrant arts and music community. Rio Americano High School is helping put our city on the map as one of the best music programs in the country. This year's festival is particularly special as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, bringing together 30 high school bands, including three from international schools. Hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center, this competition not only showcases talent but also promotes jazz education and appreciation, carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Duke Ellington. This is a moment of pride not only for Rio Americano but our entire Sacramento community. Madam Speaker, let us recognize and celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment. Congratulations to Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band. Let's go win. ____________________