[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 154 (Thursday, November 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11889-S11890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION'S VETERANS

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the men and women who have served our Nation's Armed Forces and the 
tremendous sacrifices they have made for this country. It has always 
been my view that these citizens who are called upon to defend our 
Nation, to risk and in many cases sacrifice their lives, deserve our 
upmost respect and gratitude, not only on Veterans Day, but for the 
peace and freedom we enjoy every day.
  This day allows us all to contemplate the bravery and absolute 
importance of the men and women who have served and are currently 
serving in our Armed Forces. It is in large part because of their 
efforts and sacrifices that we are ensured the domestic tranquility 
with which to progress and become an even greater Nation. Moreover, 
their service has helped to ensure peace throughout the world and for 
generations of Americans to come. Whether directly involved in conflict 
or not, it is this mission the dedicated men and women in the Armed 
Forces are sworn to uphold and we all value and recognize their hard 
work and tremendous contributions.
  The First World War ended on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 
11th month, in 1918 on the day we now call Veterans Day. By the end of 
the first world conflict there had been more than 37 million military 
casualties, in addition to 10 million deaths among the civilian 
population. The effects of this war were felt around the world, but the 
sacrifice and tragedy associated with it were destined to be repeated 
with more bloodshed and even deadlier consequences.
  Mr. President, it is my view that the purpose of Veterans Day is not 
only to understand and honor the depth of the sacrifice that has 
already been made by our Nation's veterans, but to help strengthen our 
vows for peace in the future. It is the hope of many, indeed, all of us 
who celebrate Veterans Day, that this day, through reflection, will 
strengthen and foster peace worldwide. We should use this day as a link 
to our past in a way that helps us understand the depth of the tragedy 
and loss incurred in previous wars and thereby help us keep the peace 
and our democratic way of life. To ignore this link would deplete the 
purpose and meaning of this important day.
  So, I rise today to pay the upmost tribute to our veterans, past and 
present. As we celebrate Veterans Day, I want to extend my sincere 
gratitude to those who have sacrificed and died, those who have served, 
and those who are serving now. We will never forget your service and 
your sacrifice.

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