[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   A SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 1994

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, when the veterans of the Vietnam conflict 
returned home, the national wounds of that war's debate left many of 
these young veterans jobless, unrecognized, and forgotten.
  As an older reservist who had re-enlisted for a year's duty in 
Vietnam, I was fortunate in being able to handle the situation better 
than many younger veterans. But so many of my fellow servicemen and 
women have suffered, as the attitude they were greeted with when they 
returned to the United States started a spiral in which veterans of all 
ages began to feel like forgotten Americans.
  Today, however, more and more Americans have begun to realize that 
the collapse of the Berlin wall, the demise of communism, the end of 
the cold war, and the better relations we have with many countries 
around the globe can be traced directly to the commitments made by the 
thousands of veterans and their families who suffered the hardships of 
war through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
  As we remember the 50th anniversary of D-Day and the sacrifices made 
by the military personnel who served our country, let's all join in 
closing the cycle of the forgotten American, and restore the honor 
fully due American veterans and their families. Mothers lost sons, 
wives lost husbands, and young men endured disabling injuries for the 
freedoms, liberties, and democracy we enjoy and want others in the 
world to enjoy.
  The month of May and early June will be filled with remembrances of 
the critical events of 50 years ago, culminating in the celebrations in 
France. But we should also use this time to properly honor all of 
America's veterans, and remember their dedication and sacrifices in the 
cause of freedom.

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