[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PEARL HARBOR '41, BOSNIA '95

                                 ______


                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I commend to my colleagues an excellent 
editorial which appeared in the January issue of the Township of 
Hamilton Veterans Bulletin. As our Nation embarks on yet another 
military mission overseas, we should all keep the following points in 
mind.

                      Pearl Harbor '41, Bosnia '95

                             (By John Hein)

       This is the last of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of 
     World War II and the 54th remembrance of Pearl Harbor. 
     December 7, 1941, is a day etched in my politically incorrect 
     memory with the hope that this day will forever live in 
     infamy.
       Veterans are often guilty of tell the adventures of the war 
     as the fun of youth. Our minds forbid us to recall we were 
     bit players in massive tableaus of horror. Let's tell our 
     children and grandchildren that our war stories are not grand 
     heroic adventures.
       Accordingly, I take this opportunity to warn of this 
     nation's neglect of three bitter history lessons. They are: 
     Our failure to prepare, our nation's unity during WWII, and 
     our responsibilities after WWII. Today, we teeter on the 
     brink of a similar disastrous day. We plan to risk the blood 
     of our sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters for 
     peace in Bosnia?
       First, in WWII and Korea, unprepared we sacrificed young 
     people to buy time. Pearl Harbor and Bataan were such 
     sacrifices. Unprepared heroes saved the Pusan perimeter. Our 
     WWII bazookas were no match for North Korea's tanks. In 
     Vietnam our troops had to fight a new type of war. Since 
     Generals prepare for the last war, have we trained our armed 
     forces for peacekeeping and nation building? I shudder when 
     young men shout happily when told they will create peace by 
     force of arms. Peace by standing between armed forces while 
     arming one at the expense of the other. I doubt these young 
     men are ready for the realities of war.
       Second, before we go to war, our forces in the field need 
     our resources, and our government. However, even more, they 
     need the hearts of their countrymen. War is not a television 
     side show. It involves life and death for real people with 
     feelings and families. We must not permit the spin doctors, 
     or the Jane Fondas, to shift the blame for Bosnia's war to 
     the warriors.
       However, this media shift has begun. A recent Brinkley show 
     (Ms. Roberts) and a CNN & Company guest stated, ``Since this 
     is an all volunteer army, what's wrong in letting them 
     fight?'' I'll tell you. Today, our voluntary armed services 
     consist of those who joined for education benefits, to learn 
     leadership or to learn work skills, and patriots, they are 
     our best, our brightest and our bravest. The sons and 
     daughters of those who can afford these benefits without 
     joining the services are not part of today's armed, volunteer 
     services. Thus, the ``talking heads'' advocate putting those 
     ``volunteers'' in harm's way. Our service people are your, or 
     your neighbor's, sons and daughters. Remember, those who 
     would dodge a draft won't protest for those who go to 
     Bosnia.
       Further, isn't our government's prime duty to ``provide for 
     the common defense?'' Does the military oath permit our 
     nation's defenders to act as mercanaries? Our Constitution 
     doesn't say we will send our troops to enforce ``peace'' or 
     build new nations. If we want a mercenary army, let's change 
     their oath. Let's drop the part that says to uphold and 
     defend the Constitution of the United States.
       After Bosnia, will this nation have a future? Who, in their 
     right mind, would counsel their sons and daughters to enter 
     such a military service? Who will protect our country when 
     our government wastes our sons and daughters so recklessly? 
     When they use their blood trying to build foreign nations and 
     keep the peace in foreign lands by force of arms.
       The U.N. has had 39 peacekeeping operations that involved 
     fatalities. The U.S. is in 3 of the 13 still operating. Were 
     Somalia or Haiti successful uses or our military, or money? 
     Do you remember the 263 Marines in Beirut? Was Iraq worth the 
     risk?
       Third, after any war, as a nation we must know the cost and 
     should honor our debts. After WWII, we funded the Marshall 
     Plan--aid to the nations suffering the ravages of war. This 
     was not intervention in their affairs. That should be the 
     model for aiding foreign nations--not the misuse of our sons 
     and daughters for armed intervention as mercenaries.
       But, after any war we have a higher debt, a debt to our own 
     people. War doesn't end when the shooting stops. Those 
     crippled or wounded continue to pay the price. PTSD, Agent 
     Orange, and now the Gulf War Syndrome affects the veterans of 
     our wars. They are our wounded just as if they were maimed by 
     shells or bullets. Some wives and children of Vietnam, and 
     the families of the over 51,000 Gulf War veterans with the 
     syndrome, have the same problems as the veterans. These 
     people are not getting help today.
       We bought our freedoms with those shattered lives . . . we 
     are forever in their debt. It is a duty yours and mine, to 
     see that the VA system functions properly. Congress must find 
     honorable places to care for all who suffer for us.
       Thus, we go to Bosnia, as we have gone to other recent 
     battlefields. We go without a patriotic cause, without a 
     national interest, and without an economic interest. Our 
     government forgot these three terrible lessons: A united 
     cause--Bosnia is not such a cause; preparation--these troops 
     don't know what perils they face; and without aftermath 
     responsibility--we will again turn our backs on those who 
     suffer for us.

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