[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2282-E2283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TO HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, November 8, 1997

  Mr. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our Nation's 
veterans.
  When in 1958 President Eisenhower signed the bill proclaiming 
November 11th Veteran's Day, he called for Americans everywhere to 
rededicate themselves to the cause of a lasting peace. He proclaimed 
that day an occasion for honoring all Veterans of all wars, a group 
that currently includes more than 27 million Americans, over 50,000 of 
whom reside in

[[Page E2283]]

the 5th district of Connecticut which I represent.
  The 11th day of the 11th month originally was known as Armistice Day, 
commemorating the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. The 1958 
law changed one word, Armistice to Veterans' day, and created a day for 
our Nation to honor all it's veterans. Also on Veterans' Day in 1958, 
two unidentified soldiers, one killed in Korea and one killed in World 
War II were brought to Arlington Cemetery and interred at the Tomb of 
the Unknown Soldier.
  Although the name of this day has changed, the central purpose has 
remained consistent, the 11th day of the 11th month remains a day to 
honor those who have served their country on the battle fields of 
Europe, Korea, South East Asia, in the Persian Gulf, and in many other 
locations around the world. But this is not only a day to remember 
those who did not return. This is also a day to reaffirm our commitment 
to the men and women who served and returned, and to the sons and 
daughters, wives and husbands of those who were left behind, whether 
for a while or forever.
  We must commit ourselves to provide our veterans with full access to 
the best medical care available; we must ensure that the survivors of 
American veterans always have adequate provision for their needs; and 
we must commit ourselves to bringing home those soldiers who have not 
yet returned from the battlefield.
  Mr. Speaker, we can never forget the sacrifices our veterans have 
made so that we may live in peace today. And this, Mr. Speaker, is what 
President Eisenhower was referring to when he called for Americans 
everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace on this, the 
11th day of the 11th month. We need to rededicate ourselves to the 
peace which these brave Americans have fought to secure and defend.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 5th congressional district, the State 
of Connecticut, and Americans everywhere, I thank the veterans for 
their service, dedication and loyalty to our country.

                          ____________________