[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1168-E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   MEMORIAL DAY IS A TIME TO REMEMBER

                                 ______


                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, this Memorial Day, as we observe the 50th 
anniversary of the end of World War II, we have an excellent 
opportunity to recognize the contributions of more than 28 million 
living American veterans. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to 
improve citizen awareness of the sacrifices 
[[Page E1169]] made, and the service given, by our veterans in defense 
of our Constitution and the liberties it guarantees.
  All too often, we take our freedoms for granted. These precious 
freedoms were defended by those who sacrificed their lives in times of 
war. They are preserved by those who exercise their rights in defense 
of peace.
  When I think of what my freedom means to me, I recall the memory of 
when my family came to the United States after surviving the horrors of 
World War II. My parents were not attracted by the flag or the Statue 
of Liberty, for other nations have flags and monuments; it was and is 
the American Constitution, and the freedom which it embodies, which 
sets the United States apart from so many other nations.
  As a Member of Congress, I am pleased to be in a position to honor 
our veterans. The willingly went to war to defend our freedoms and the 
American dream we all strive to achieve. In this time of restricted 
budgets and divisive rhetoric, we must pause to recall the commitment 
given to us by those veterans and we must honor the commitments we have 
made to them.
  Today, there are more living American veterans than at any point in 
history. They are among the reasons that the United States is the 
mightiest, wealthiest, most secure nation on the earth today. They are 
the reason the United States has been, and will continue to be, the 
bastion of support and solace for those in a world still searching for 
freedom and human rights.
  Memorial Day is a time to remember all those men and women who gave 
their lives and livelihoods for their country. Let this 50th 
Anniversary of the end of World War II signal a rededication to our 
commitment to honor the service of our Nation's veterans.


                          ____________________