[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE VETERANS BURIALS RIGHTS ACT OF 1998

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                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, America has a sacred trust to honor the 
sacrifices made by our veterans--the men and women whose military 
service, both in wartime and in times of peace, has kept us free and 
strong. One of the most important and symbolic ways our country has 
historically recognized honorable military service is by providing 
military honors at veterans' funerals.
  Traditionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) has provided the honor 
guard details. Unfortunately, DOD has determined that, because of the 
downsizing of America's Armed Forces, this type of assistance can no 
longer be provided. I believe this is a mistake and that, in the zeal 
to cut costs and squeeze savings at every possible opportunity, 
appreciation has been lost for the significance and meaning associated 
with paying final tribute to a veteran's military service.
  Those who have attended a funeral with full military honors remember 
it as a uniquely profound and moving experience--an experience that 
vividly expresses our nation's gratitude to those whose sacrifices have 
protected and preserved our liberty and freedom. I have also been told 
by the loved ones of deceased veterans that the beauty and solemnity of 
the military funeral, the report of the rifle salute, the haunting 
sound of Taps, provided them extraordinary comfort and consolation. A 
military funeral also reinforces a principle that is important for all 
Americans; that our nation must never forget our veterans' service, 
sacrifice, and love of country. As we strive to recruit and retain 
motivated men and women for military service, it is important that we 
remind our society that duty and sacrifice must always be remembered 
and honored. Because of the symbolic importance of military funerals, 
many of the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have attempted to 
provide honor guards, and we should all commend and thank them for 
their dedication and commitment. However, in spite of their efforts, 
limited resources have made it impossible for them to fulfill the 
requests for their services. Additionally, many VSO members have told 
me that they simply cannot perform the ceremonies with the military 
bearing of military service personnel.
  I believe that our nation can--and must--do better. Our military must 
recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our citizen-soldiers. 
Accordingly, I am today introducing the Veterans Burials Rights Act of 
1998, legislation that requires DOD, upon request, to provide military 
honor guards for veterans' funerals. Additionally, my bill would 
require that the honor guards include no fewer than five members of the 
armed forces, including a bugler.
  Representative Sue Kelly from New York is the principal co-sponsor of 
my legislation, which is the companion bill to S. 1825, introduced on 
March 25, 1998 by Senator Patty Murray. Senator Murray has been a true 
leader on veterans' issues and has shown great commitment in pushing 
for recognition of their accomplishments and needs. She should be 
applauded for her authorship of the legislation as well as her work to 
bring this issue to the attention of our nation.
  I hope we will act quickly on this legislation so that we can once 
again properly honor the sacrifice and service of our deceased 
veterans. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this 
important effort.

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