[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H413-H414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO GENERAL BENJAMIN O. DAVIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, February has for some time now been 
recognized as Black History Month, during which time we recognize the 
contributions of African Americans throughout the United States and 
throughout the world.
  As a member of the Committee on National Security, I want to call 
attention tonight to General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., one of our 
American heroes, one of the true contributors to the end of World War 
II, and the contributions of the military in the world for 20 years 
after that.
  General Davis was the first black graduate of West Point. As we now 
have become familiar with our military academies and the fine 
opportunities for education, the opportunities for men and women of all 
races in America to participate in the military and have long and 
distinguished careers, we also pay attention to the fine collegial 
atmosphere at the military academies.
  When General Davis first went to West Point, that was not the 
situation. Many of us are familiar with the terrible time and hazing he 
was given there. He literally spent four years with no other member of 
West Point being allowed to speak to him, not one word. But he 
graduated from West Point and went on to have a long and distinguished 
career.
  As a Member of Congress, we get to participate in helping to make 
nominations. We get to send in names of candidates to the different 
military academies. It is a tremendous opportunity for men and women in 
America to take on a very distinguished career in the military.

[[Page H414]]

  Frankly, in my district I do not think I got enough applicants for 
all the slots we have. I think that perhaps there are many students, 
black, white, Hispanic, other races, men and women, who perhaps do not 
consider the opportunities which General Davis paved the way for in the 
military academies.
  So tonight, during Black History Month, I pay tribute to General 
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., and I hope the youth of America will also 
consider the opportunities to lead such a distinguished career in the 
military.

                          ____________________