[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GADSDEN-ETOWAH PATRIOTS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Col. Andrew 
Chaffin, chairman of the Selection Committee of the Gadsden-Etowah 
Patriots Association, as well those who are members of this 
association, and those who participated in the induction ceremonies 
yesterday, November 12, 1997.
  I salute the great American patriots, Lt. Gen. Clark Griffith, Peter 
Gregerson, Charles Nelson, John Udaka, and Hazel Brannon Smith who were 
inducted into the Patriots Hall of Honor. I add my voice to yours in 
gratitude to these people for their lives of service.
  Last week we celebrated the contributions that veterans have made for 
our country. Veterans Day, with its related events, means many things. 
It is an opportunity to say thank you to those who are presently 
serving in our Armed Forces, and an opportunity to honor both the 
veterans who are with us and those who have passed away. Finally, it is 
an opportunity to celebrate our communities and this great Nation, a 
time to thank God for our past, our present, and to ask His guidance 
and blessing on our future.
  Memorials are important. When times are good, it is easy for us to 
forget that our present peace comes at a price. If it were not for the 
sacrifices made by veterans, we would not now be free. The same values 
and goals that were fought for in the past are still worth fighting for 
today.
  In Washington, we have recently passed legislation that honors and 
protects veterans. The House of Representatives passed the Veterans' 
Cemetery Protection Act of 1997. It significantly increases penalties 
for persons convicted of vandalism at a veterans cemetery. This has 
been sent to the President's desk for his signature, and I urge him to 
sign this important legislation.
  The House also passed a bill to create a constitutional amendment 
protecting the flag from physical desecration. We are now waiting for 
the Senate to take action. I feel very strongly about free speech, but 
protecting the flag does not harm free speech.
  Again, I salute the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association, and the five 
American patriots who were honored at the Twenty-Second Annual Patriots 
Day celebration.

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