[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6784-S6785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AN INDEPENDENCE DAY TRIBUTE

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today so that this great 
body may momentarily reflect upon the importance of our upcoming Fourth 
of July celebration.
  Over 200 years ago, this country began a historic experiment. Our 
Founding Fathers were told it would fail. Yet, after many trials and 
tribulations, the United States of America stands, it can fairly be 
argued, as the greatest Nation in the history of the world. 
Independence Day is our annual celebration of this achievement.
  Yet, we must have the courage and honesty to admit that we are not 
all that we hope to be. We have much work to do, and we have many 
dreams to make a reality. This is our American journey. And let us not 
forget the debt we owe to those who sacrificed to make this journey 
possible, the men and women who have stood sentry as our country 
marched to greatness. Today, they protect the finest democracy the 
world has ever known and keep watch around the globe. They are a beacon 
of hope, freedom, and justice to all the world's nations. Today, we 
trumpet the personal courage of our forefathers and the continuing 
sacrifices of the members of our armed services.
  Who are these veterans and service members? We all know them. He was 
your friend in school. She was the kid next door. You go to church with 
them, and you pass them in the grocery store. They are Americans just 
like you and

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me, but when our Nation called, they willingly put themselves in harm's 
way. We asked them to serve their country and they obliged us. They 
have made this celebration possible.
  Many of these regular Americans found themselves in extraordinary 
circumstances. They were only expected to do their duty, but they found 
the strength to do more. It is for these uncommon displays of valor 
that we have reserved the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is the 
highest honor which we can bestow on a member of the Armed Forces, and 
it is but a small demonstration of our gratitude for their acting above 
and beyond the call of duty.
  The men who have earned this award do not ask for recognition or 
acclaim. They believe they were only doing their jobs. They consider 
themselves ordinary soldiers, sailors, and airmen. But, we call them 
heroes. I dedicate this day to them, and I humbly thank them for their 
special sacrifice to guarantee the privileges we too often take for 
granted.
  I am proud to say that Alabama is home to 27 of these great 
Americans. Seven of these Alabama Congressional Medal of Honor winners 
are still alive today. Henry Eugene ``Red'' Erwin, Robert Lewis Howard, 
William Robert Lawley, Jr., Ola Lee Mize, Michael J. Novolsel, James 
Michael Sprayberry, and Harold Edward ``Speedy'' Wilson all have 
different heroic tales but common heroic traits. They steeled 
themselves with tremendous gallantry and fought without regard for 
their safety. From where did this courage come? For some, it was their 
loyalty to a fellow serviceman. For others, it was the strength of 
their convictions. And most certainly, it was done with God's help.
  Let us today take a moment to congratulate each veteran we know for a 
job well done and come before them with a spirit of the humblest 
gratitude as we enjoy the bounty of this great, independent Nation. For 
we are the Nation that people in every corner of the world wish to call 
their own. We are a people who will not stop short of greatness, a 
nation who earns her prosperity with the labor of her citizens, and the 
land of opportunity whose hand extends for both rich and poor alike. We 
need not only be proud of our veterans but also of every citizen who 
holds the same ideals and dreams for America. She is great because of 
the businessmen who fuel her economy, the religious leaders who guide 
her morals, the farmers who provide her bountiful sustenance, and the 
many other Americans who are free to fulfill their dreams each day.
  God bless those who have stood and fought on her behalf and, most of 
all, God bless America.

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