[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 179 (Monday, November 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REFLECTIONS ON VETERANS DAY

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 1995

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, since 1954, our Nation has set aside 
November 11, formerly Armistic Day, as a special day of tribute and 
thanksgiving to those who served bravely in our Armed Forces to protect 
our freedoms. Veterans Day is a day of both sadness and joy: Sadness 
because we take a moment to honor those who sacrificed everything to 
keep us free, and joy as we gather to enjoy those sacred freedoms.
  This Veterans Day is especially significant because we will continue 
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 
greatest struggle for freedom in the history of the world. During that 
struggle, 17 million American men and women answered the call to serve 
without hesitation. Of those courageous men and women, more than 
290,000 made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for this 
Nation. Another 670,000 were wounded, and more than 105,000 suffered as 
prisoners of war. In Washington, DC, a ceremony will be held on the 
Mall to break ground for the long-overdue memorial to the heroes of 
this war, who fought around the globe to preserve liberty for future 
generations.
  Nowhere are veterans more important than in Military Town U.S.A. 
Following the numerous events surrounding this Veterans Day, San 
Antonio, TX will pay tribute to one of its heroes in that great war to 
preserve world peace. On November 20, 1943, San Antonio native S. Sgt. 
William J. Bordelon gave his life for his country and earned its 
highest military decoration during the U.S. invasion of the South 
Pacific island of Tarawa. This forgotten local hero is the first San 
Antonio native to win the Medal of Honor. On November 20, declared by 
the mayor of San Antonio as William J. Bordelon Day, S. Sgt. Bordelon 
will be reinterred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery following lying 
in state at the Alamo.
  Veterans Day is also a day of education. If we are to preserve the 
memory of those who fought so valiantly to preserve this Nation and all 
that it stands for, we must ensure that our children know the history 
of our veterans' sacrifices and understand the importance of their 
contributions. Today, more than one-half of the people living in 
America were born after World War II. If the people of this Nation want 
to continue to fully experience the joys of life, liberty, and peace, 
we must ensure that future generations understand just how much we owe 
to the men and women who made it possible: the American veterans, who 
were willing to sacrifice everything they had to keep this Nation free.

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