[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           VETERANS DAY 1997

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I wish to pay deep respect and 
tribute to the men and women of the United States who have made 
significant sacrifices in the defense of the freedoms and democratic 
principles upon which our country was founded and to which we pledge 
our allegiance today. For every American, Veterans Day holds a special 
meaning because it is a time to remember those veterans who have died, 
thank those who are living, and reflect on the honorable contributions 
that each has made to our country. People of all ages and backgrounds 
marched in parades across the United States on November 11 honoring 
veterans whom often they have never met, nor seen, nor heard about--and 
who too often have received little or no recognition for their 
unwavering devotion to our country.
  As a veteran of the Vietnam war, I share a memory with many others 
who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and ascribe a special meaning 
to this day. We remember the faces of those who served with us and the 
experiences of those who served beside us. History will remember the 
cause, but we will remember the people.
  I am proud to have served my country and feel blessed that I was 
lucky enough to return to my family and friends. To those brave men and 
women who gave their lives for our country or who have survived but 
paid in human suffering, we collectively owe a great debt and 
appropriate recognition and respect. We must never forget their 
service, or their sacrifice, nor must we forget their 
significance.

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