[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 78 (Thursday, May 27, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION REMARKS

  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, in anticipation of Memorial Day this 
coming Monday, I wish to honor the memories of the 1.1 million 
Americans who gave their lives in defense of America and American 
ideals. Americans have fought and died in various wars spanning over 
two centuries. Her fallen soldiers have left indelible marks on the 
annals of history in conflicts notable for the good attained over the 
evil vanquished: independence over monarchial tyranny; freedom over 
slavery; and democracy over fascism and communism. Indeed, in this 
century alone, American servicemembers can be hailed for turning the 
tide of history's two world wars. As we head towards the dawn of a new 
millennium, I ask my colleagues to join with me to give homage to 
America's patriots, in deed as well as word.
  I believe the best way to commemorate the spirit of those who gave 
their lives is to honor, respect, and care for the 26 million American 
veterans living today. As Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, I have striven to accomplish this goal through a number of 
legislative measures and processes. After a successful battle over the 
budget resolution, I and 52 of my Senate colleagues signed on to a 
letter urging the Appropriation's Committee to match the budget 
resolution's recommendation of an additional $1.66 billion for 
veterans' health care. This funding is vital to ensure that our 
nation's veterans get the highest quality of health care available. I 
have also pushed for enactment of legislation which would increase 
veterans' education benefits; allow for a Medicare Subvention 
demonstration project; require additional national cemeteries to be 
built in areas with high veteran populations; and ensure that 
construction of the World War II Memorial begins next year.
  The Athenian leader Pericles had these words to say about those who 
lost their lives in the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago: ``Not 
only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there 
dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in 
the hearts of men.'' This Memorial Day, I challenge my colleagues to 
make a commitment to engrave the memory of 1.1 million Americans not 
only in our hearts, but in the legislation we enact for veterans and 
servicemembers during the remainder of the 106th Congress.

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