[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   LET US NOT FORGET THE UNACCOUNTED

                                 ______


                       HON. HELEN DELICH BENTLEY

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mrs. BENTLEY. Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, I rise today to 
recognize the continued efforts of those outstanding and patriotic 
individuals who have worked so diligently to get a full accounting for 
those classified as POW-MIA's in Southeast Asia. I am proud to commend 
them for their hard work and dedication to keeping our country aware of 
this issue.
  The Live P.O.W. Lobby of America has fought long and hard to obtain a 
full accounting of our service soldiers missing since the end of the 
Vietnam war. Recently, The Live P.O.W. Lobby of America circulated to 
all Members of Congress, ``The 1994 Proclamation To Laos'', which calls 
for the return of all captured prisoners of the Vietnam war. I 
wholeheartedly lend my support to this endeavor and join in their call 
for the return of all prisoners. Although the numbers vary slightly, we 
know that over 2,250 servicemen did not return home, and I agree that 
we must demand the return of all prisoners captured during the Vietnam 
war or at least receive a full accounting.
  The proclamation appeals to the Laotian people for their cooperation 
in resolving these cases of captivity. I also would like to implore 
that anyone who knows the whereabouts of living or dead prisoners make 
this information known. We owe the men and women who have fought and 
died for this country our utmost respect and admiration. At the very 
least, we owe their families a full accounting.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of 
Radio Free Asia, and it is my hope we can return freedom and democracy 
to that region. The Vietnam war is not over for the MIA-POW's and their 
families. I hope and pray that we can bring closure to this issue for 
the families and their loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, I ask that you join me in lending 
your support to the Live P.O.W. Lobby of America and ``The 1994 
Proclamation To Laos''. Shall we never forget the sacrifices made by 
our service men and women and shall we never forget the families left 
behind. May God bless these individuals and our country.

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