[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2308-E2309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THANKING OUR VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our 
country's veterans. In less than 2 weeks, most Americans will gather 
with friends and family to count their blessings and give thanks as we 
celebrate Thanksgiving. As Americans, we have a great deal to be 
thankful for: we are in a time of peace; we are living longer, 
healthier lives than ever before; we have a growing economy and the 
highest standard of living in the world; and we enjoy civil liberties 
and civil rights unequaled by any civilization in history. We have much 
to be thankful for, indeed. But Tuesday--Veterans Day--is also a day of 
thanksgiving.
  November 11 has long been a day of tribute to those who bravely 
served our country in the Armed Forces, many of whom gave their lives 
to preserve the freedom we too often take for granted. In 1954, 
President Eisenhower pronounced November 11 ``Veterans Day'' to honor 
the veterans of all American conflicts. Previously, November 11 was 
known as Armistice Day, a reference to the November 11, 1918, armistice 
between the Allies and the Central Powers in World War I. For those who 
endured its horrors, World War I was called the war to end all wars.
  Unfortunately, war has continued to be a part of our history, and the 
tragic list of heroes and heroines has continued to grow with each new 
conflict: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the gulf war. Even in 
peacetime, many servicemen and servicewomen have died while maintaining 
our military readiness. As Americans who enjoy freedoms unparalleled on 
this earth, we are deeply indebted to the more than 600,000 brave men 
and women who have paid liberty's supreme price in this century, not to 
mention those who gave their lives in the wars and conflicts of the two 
previous centuries in our Nation's history.
  One way we can repay the debt owed our veterans is by honoring their 
sacrifice and recognizing that the bounties we enjoy today exist 
because of that sacrifice. Another is to honor our commitment to 
provide assistance to our veterans, particularly the disabled or 
elderly. Many veterans sacrificed opportunities for higher education to 
serve their country. Others sustained injuries that left them disabled 
for life. Still others were killed, leaving spouses and young children 
to fend for themselves. Veterans benefits, such as health care and 
housing assistance, are a small price to pay in exchange for the 
security of our way of life.
  We can also pay tribute by teaching our children reverence. We should 
teach them the value of freedom and instill in them an appreciation for 
the terrible price that so many

[[Page E2309]]

Americans paid willingly and courageously. Our children, the future of 
our country, should know that the privilege of being an American is 
also a responsibility. Each of us is honor bound to uphold the 
principles of democracy and the liberties born of a government that is 
run by the people and for the people. They should know that we enjoy 
these freedoms only because we have been willing to fight for them, and 
that they, too, could face the terrible reality of war in their 
lifetimes. Most importantly, they should know that the peace bought by 
the lives of so many of our veterans should not be squandered, but 
nurtured so that it may flourish for generations to come.
  On Tuesday, in cities and towns across the country, there will be 
parades, speeches, and memorial services honoring the memories of 
veterans--our friends and relatives who served our country. As we 
participate in these events, let us remember to tell our children that, 
like the appreciation we express on Thanksgiving Day, the appreciation 
we express on Veterans Day should not end when the clock strikes 
midnight. Our thanks and appreciation should continue each day, because 
we have much for which to be thankful, and many veterans to thank.

                          ____________________