[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 82 (Friday, June 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE NATION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE GI BILL

                                 ______


                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 1994

  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the stroke of his pen on June 
22, 1944, President Roosevelt transformed the face and future of 
American society, giving us a prudent and profitable domestic program, 
originally called the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944--currently 
referred to as the GI bill of rights. Yesterday several Members of the 
House and Senate joined President Bill Clinton and Secretary of 
Veterans' Affairs Jesse Brown in celebrating the 50th anniversary of 
the GI bill of rights with a ceremony at the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
  The distinguished chairman of our Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the 
Honorable G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery, joined President Clinton and 
Secretary Brown on the platform. The President and Secretary Brown were 
warm in their praise of the chairman's leadership and his lifetime of 
dedication to the cause of our Nation's veterans. In 1984, Chairman 
Montgomery led the effort to enact the current Montgomery GI bill.
  They gathered to commemorate the GI bill, which was created to ease 
the transition of World War II veterans into civilian life. Housing, 
education, employment, and corporate America are all areas of our 
society that have directly benefited from the assistance provided under 
this landmark legislation.
  After our Armed Forces returned from World War II, the hopes and 
expectations of young Americans of modest economic means were no longer 
restricted because the key to advancement--higher education--was 
available to them through the GI bill.
  Higher education and home ownership, which were privileges of the 
fortunate few, were no longer beyond reach. They became part of the 
American dream available to all citizens who served their country 
through military service.
  Today's Montgomery GI bill, which is available to active-duty 
military personnel and members of the Selected Reserve, continues the 
tradition established in 1944 and is currently enabling hundreds of 
thousands of young veterans to further their education. Since 1944, 20 
million veterans, including Vice President Al Gore, have earned and 
used benefits under the GI bills.
  Today's GI bill serves as a tremendous incentive for bright young men 
and women to join our Armed Forces. Their desire for higher education 
and an improved quality of life has resulted in the strongest and 
brightest military in U.S. history.
  Yesterday was a very important date in our history--the 50th 
anniversary of the signing of the GI bill of rights. I would like to 
share with my colleagues the following statements made by the Honorable 
Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans' Affairs; Mr. Garnett Shropshire, a 
veteran of World War II who used the GI bill following his service; and 
President Bill Clinton.

            Hon. Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

       President Clinton, my colleagues from the veteran 
     community, distinguished guests, my fellow VA employees, 
     ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
       This is truly a month of celebrations for those who put 
     veterans first.
       A few weeks ago, I joined our Commander in Chief, President 
     Clinton, in Europe. We commemorated the fiftieth anniversary 
     of D-day.
       Never have I been in a place where the debt America and the 
     world owe our veterans was more clear; 50 years after D-day, 
     I stood at Pointe du Hoc.
       I looked out at the sea, which carried so many young men to 
     an uncertain destiny. I looked to Omaha Beach, where every 
     foot of sand was paid for with the blood of our veterans. I 
     looked at the cliffs, where the American Rangers achieved the 
     impossible.
       And I heard our President speak so movingly of ``the 
     thousands of people who gave everything they were or might 
     become.''; I heard him tell the veterans of World War II that 
     ``We are the sons and daughters you saved from tyranny's 
     reach. We are the children of your sacrifice.''
       His words on that day and in that place made it clear that 
     these men and women changed the course of history. And for 
     that, we are most thankful.
       Today, we mark another anniversary of importance to 
     veterans and the nation. It is the fiftieth anniversary of 
     one of the greatest programs ever passed by Congress--the GI 
     Bill of Rights
       And it is a special pleasure for me to be here for this 
     event with several gentlemen who are strong supporters of the 
     VA's mission: Senator George Mitchell, Senator Pat Moynihan, 
     Senator Strom Thurmond, Senator Frank Murkowski and 
     Congressman Sonny Montgomery. The current version of the GI 
     Bill is called the Montgomery GI Bill in his honor. I would 
     like to ask these gentlemen to stand and be recognized--and 
     any other Members of Congress who are here with us today.
       The impact of the GI Bill cannot be overstated. It helped 
     veterans make the transition from military to civilian life; 
     it changed the course of higher education in America; and it 
     stimulated economic growth and development in the United 
     States
       Since the passage of the original bill: More than 20 
     million veterans have received education or training, and 
     over 14 million home loans, valued at more than 400 billion 
     dollars, have been issued.
       Clearly, the GI Bill has been good for the nation. The 
     billions of dollars spent to educate veterans have been 
     recovered many time over.
       The home loan feature of the bill has pumped billions of 
     dollars into the Nation's economy. The GI Bill shows us what 
     happens when we invest in the American people. It shows us 
     what happens when we invest in veterans. It shows us the 
     importance of VA's mission.
       The Administration, the Congress, VA employees and Veterans 
     Service Organizations are and will continue to work hard to 
     make sure that our veterans receive their benefits. This is 
     as it should be--for our veterans have earned those benefits.
       We in the VA understand that our nation is built upon the 
     contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. And therefore, 
     we consider it an honor to work on their behalf.
       We must be certain: That our veterans continue to receive 
     the benefits that they are entitled to; that they enjoy the 
     fruits of their sacrifices; and that they never suffer 
     because of their service.
       That was the purpose of the GI Bill. That is our purpose at 
     VA. We are proud to be a part of the process that helps those 
     who have secured and protected our liberty. Thank you all--
     and keep up the good work
       At this time, I would like to introduce two special guests. 
     Our first guest was born here in Washington. He graduated 
     from High School in 1987 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He 
     saw combat in the Persian Gulf and was honorably discharged 
     in December, 1991. He is currently attending college under 
     the GI Bill and works part-time with VA.
       Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you--Mr. 
     Hugo Mendoza, Jr.
       Our second guest was born in North Carolina and graduated 
     from high school at the age of 17. He enlisted in the Navy in 
     1943, and served on Guam during World War II. When he 
     returned home, he attended college under the GI Bill. He 
     became a pioneer in the computer field, and has been very 
     successful. He also used the GI Bill to purchase his first 
     home. I am proud to introduce him to you.
       Ladies and gentlemen: Mr. Garnett Shropshire.
                                  ____


                    Statement of Garnett Shropshire

       Mr. President, Mr. Secretary, Members of Congress, ladies 
     and gentlemen:
       It is difficult for me to describe my emotions as I stand 
     here today.
       Many years ago, when I decided to attend college, I never 
     dreamed that one day I would be in Washington, representing 
     millions of fellow veterans.
       But here I am today--and I am very proud to be representing 
     veterans from across this great country.
       I recently returned from Europe, where our President spoke 
     at the Colleville Cemetery--and, I might add, with dignity 
     befitting all Americans who died there.
       Also, I visited Omaha and Utah Beaches. What a feeling--as 
     if you were there on D-day, June 6, 1944.
       I was 17 years old when I joined the Navy. Almost everyone 
     I knew was joining up. It was the thing to do.
       We didn't think about what was in it for us. We didn't 
     think about asking Uncle Sam for anything in return.
       Our country was at war, and we knew we were needed.
       Most of us never thought about going to college or owning a 
     home. These were impossible dreams for many of us.
       Then President Roosevelt signed something called the GI 
     Bill of Rights. And everything changed.
       When I came home, the GI Bill helped make my dreams come 
     true.
       Two of the proudest days of my life were the day I 
     graduated from college, and the day my wife and I moved into 
     our first home.
       My friends have similar stories. And the GI Bill is still 
     helping those who serve.
       My fellow veterans and I were proud of what our service men 
     and women did in the Persian Gulf.
       They proved that America still stands up for freedom, and 
     that we still stand tall.
       We were proud of young men like Hugo Mendoza. And we 
     believe they deserve the same help we got.
       I thank our elected representatives for realizing that this 
     is true--and I thank our President for his help and support.
       Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great honor to introduce a 
     man whom I believe to be a great friend of veterans--a man 
     who is not afraid to tackle tough issues to make things 
     better for all Americans--the President of the United States: 
     the Honorable Bill Clinton.
                                  ____


 Remarks by the President at the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary 
                            of the GI Bill.

       The President. Thank you so much, Mr. Shropshire, for that 
     introduction and for your service to your country and for 
     making the most of the GI Bill. And thank you, Mr. Mendoza, 
     for your service to your country and for reminding us of the 
     future of the GI Bill.
       Thank you, Secretary Brown, leaders of veteran service 
     organizations, and staff of the Department of Veterans 
     Administration who are here; to all the members of Congress--
     Senator Robb, Senator Thurmond, Senator Jeffords, Congressman 
     Price, Congresswoman Byrne, Congressman Sangmeister, 
     Congresswoman Brown, Congressman Bishop. And thank you 
     especially, Congressman Sonny Montgomery, for a lifetime of 
     devotion to this cause.
       I'd like to also acknowledge three of Congressman 
     Montgomery's colleagues in the Senate and House on the 
     relevant committee who could not be with us today; Senator 
     Rockefeller, Senator Murkowski, and Congressman Stump.
       Before I begin, if I might, I'd like to say a brief word 
     about a development in Brussels this morning that is in so 
     many ways a tribute to the men and women who have worn the 
     uniform of this country over the last 50 years. Today Russia 
     took an important step to help shape a safer and more 
     peaceful post-Cold War world.
       As all of you know, it wasn't very many days ago that we 
     and the Russians were able to announce that, for the first 
     time since both of us had nuclear weapons, our nuclear 
     weapons were no longer pointed at each other. Today, Russia 
     made a decision to join 20 other nations of the former Soviet 
     Union and Eastern Europe and Western Europe in NATO's 
     Partnership for Peace--to work together on joint planning and 
     exercises, and to commit themselves to a common future, to a 
     unified Europe where neighbors respect their borders and do 
     not invade them, but instead, work together for mutual 
     security and progress.
       I want to join with the Secretary of State, who was on hand 
     for the signing in Bussels, in commending the Russian people 
     and their leaders on this farsighted choice. And I think that 
     all of us will join them in saying this is another step on 
     our long road in man's everlasting quest for peace. We thank 
     them today.
       As Secretary Brown and Mr. Shropshire said in their 
     eloquent remarks, I had the opportunity not long ago of 
     commemorating the service of our veterans at Normandy and in 
     the Italian campaign. Joined by some of the veterans who are 
     here today, including General Mick Kicklighter, who did such 
     a wonderful job in heading the committee that planned all 
     those magnificent events, we remembered the sacrifices of the 
     brave Americans and their allies who freed a continent from 
     Tyranny.
       Almost everything we are trying to do is animated by the 
     spirit and the ideas behind the GI Bill. Give Americans a 
     chance to make their own lives in the fast-changing world. 
     They will secure the American Dream. They will secure our 
     freedom. They will expand it's reach if you give them the 
     power to do it.
       At Normandy I was able to pay special tribute to the first 
     paratroopers to land in the D-Day operation, called the 
     Pathfinders, because they lighted the way for those who 
     followed. Today, it is up to us to be the pathfinders of the 
     21st century. The powerful idea behind the Bill of Rights for 
     the GIs is still the best light to find that path.
       Our job now is to do everything we can to help Americans to 
     have the chance to build those better lives for themselves. 
     That is the best way to prove ourselves worthy of the legacy 
     handed down by those who sacrified in the second world war, 
     those who have worn our uniform since, and those who have 
     been given their just chance at the brass ring through the 
     Bill of Rights for the GIs.
       Thank you very much.

                          ____________________