[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING VETERANS

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, as Chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I would like to speak for a moment on 
the importance of our veterans and their service to this nation. As you 
know, November 11th is Veterans Day, the day we honor those who have 
served in the United States Armed Forces.
  For over two hundred years, the democratic form of government that so 
many of us take for granted has survived and prospered in an 
increasingly dangerous world. The fulfillment of our Declaration of 
Independence's tenets of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness 
was achieved through the genius and drive of our main resource--our 
citizens. But that genius and drive could never have occurred without 
the sacrifice and security provided by those who bore the brunt of our 
defenses and even gave their lives to this cause. From the early days 
of our isolated republic to today's challenges as a global leader, this 
country has trusted and relied on the unwavering protection provided by 
our men and women in military uniform.
  Veterans Day provides us an opportunity to reflect upon and recognize 
those who have served in the world's finest military. We will honor 
those who have fought in wartime and protected our nation in peacetime; 
those who have served on the battlefields of the world and in the 
communities that make up this vast and prosperous nation. As Abraham 
Lincoln so eloquently articulated in his Gettysburg Address, it is our 
solemn obligation ``to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which 
they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced . . . and that 
government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not 
perish from the earth.'' We should remember these powerful words and 
continue to do the best that we are able to meet the expectations of 
those who have guaranteed our freedom.
  I have long been impressed with so many veterans' commitment to 
public affairs long after their military service. My frequent meetings 
with veterans in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reinforces my view 
that they are America's finest citizens whose duty did not end with 
active military service. They remain continued supporters and activists 
in reminding the U.S. Congress and, indeed, the American people of the 
need for a strong national defense. It is this lifetime commitment to 
service that should be recognized on Veterans Day.
  Since the Senate is not expected to be in session on Veterans Day, I 
would like to extend my appreciation to all veterans of the United 
States Armed Forces. To quote Abraham Lincoln again, during his second 
Inaugural Address he said, ``let us strive on to finish the work we are 
in; . . . to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his 
widow, and his orphan. . . .'' November 11th will be a day of 
recognition to the service of America's 25 million veterans. I am 
certain that my colleagues will join me in thanking all veterans for 
their remarkable legacy of commitment to honor, duty, and 
country.

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