[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2248-E2249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           COLD WAR MEMORIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation 
creating a cold war memorial. This bill will authorize a commission to 
establish a memorial to honor the military and civilian personnel of 
the Department of Defense, members of the intelligence community, 
members of the foreign service, and others who served the United States 
in pursuit of its cold war aims. This legislation will also commemorate 
the involvement of the United States in that conflict.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that this legislation is important, not only 
because it honors the people who valiantly fought the cold war, but 
will help future generations understand and learn about one of the most 
dangerous times in American history. The cold war may not have been as 
intense as World War II or as widely viewed as the Vietnam war, but it 
was just as real and just as dangerous. The United States

[[Page E2249]]

officially entered this conflict on March 12, 1947 and won it on 
December 31, 1991 at the stroke of midnight. During that time, America 
saw the creation of the Central Intelligence Agency [CIA], and the 
implementation of both the Marshall plan, and the Truman doctrine.
  Mr. Speaker, the cold war was a war that the United States won. It 
took 50 years to win, but it showed the whole world what we have always 
known, that a democratic form of government will outlast a communist 
form of government. As we look at the world now we see that the former 
Eastern bloc countries are democratic and are now becoming partners 
with the United States in a whole host of issues. This would not have 
been possible without these cold war warriors tremendous efforts. This 
in itself is reason to erect a monument.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that all of my colleagues will support the 
passage of this legislation.

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