[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2341-E2342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, Thursday, November 11, 1999, marks the 
observance of Veterans Day, honoring all veterans who have pledged 
allegiance to their country and all of its endeavors. This day is set 
aside to recognize the boldness and bravery of those who have fought to 
uphold the standards of democracy.
  On this Veterans Day, a special ceremony titled, ``Salute 1999: An 
American Patriotic Celebration'' will be held at the Radisson Star 
Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. This celebration of patriotism 
and pride will honor eight local veterans for their dedicated military 
service. Those veterans that will be honored include: Stanley Bliznik, 
Eliseo Castaneda,

[[Page E2342]]

Alonzo Swann, Jr., Charles Swisher, Zenon Lukosius, Marion Brzezinski, 
Walter O'Keefe, and Douglas Dettman.
  Stanley Bliznik of Highland, Indiana, is a World War II Veteran of 
the United States Army. He served our country from October 7, 1941 to 
July 31, 1945 as a member of the Army's 20th Combat Engineer Battalion. 
Eliseo Castaneda of East Chicago, Indiana, is a United States Marine 
Corps Veteran. He enlisted in the Marines in July of 1948 and was 
discharged July, 1952. He arrived in Pusan, Korea the first day of 
September 1950 and participated in the Pusan Perimeter action, the 
battle of Kimpo Air Field, and the battle securing Seoul, South Korea. 
Serving in the Navy during World War II, Alonzo Swann, Jr., of Gary, 
Indiana is a fine example of one of our American heroes. He received 
the Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star 
Combat V, Asiatic Pacific Medal three stars, Philippine Liberation 
Ribbon two stars, and the Navy Cross for his dedicated military 
service. Additionally, Charles Swisher of Crown Point, Indiana, served 
in the United States Army during World War II on the battlefield in 
France. He served as a member of the 976th Field Artillery Battalion. 
Zenon Lukosius of South Holland, Illinois, courageously served our 
country during World War II. As a member of the United States Navy, 
Lukosius defended against enemy planes, helped bombard enemy shores, 
and was involved in the capture of enemy submarines. Marion Brzezinski 
of Highland, Indiana, served in the United States Army until he was 
discharged in September of 1945. In 1944, during the Invasion of the 
Rhineland, he was taken prisoner by the Nazis two days before Christmas 
and was liberated on April 29, 1945 by the American Forces. After 
twenty-seven years of faithful service, Walter O'Keefe was discharged 
from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of 1st Sergeant. 
O'Keefe hails from Dolton, Illinois where he is a father of three, 
grandfather of six, and has four great-grandchildren. Douglas Dettman 
resides in Schererville, Indiana, and served in the United States Army 
during the Vietnam conflict. Dettman received the Good Conduct Medal, 
Combat Medic Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver 
Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Cross for his 
valorous actions as a medical aid man.
  The great sacrifice made by these eight men and those who served our 
country has resulted in the freedom and prosperity of our country and 
in countries around the world. The responsibility rests within each of 
us to build upon the valiant efforts that these men and women who 
fought for this country have displayed, so that the United States and 
the world will be a more free and prosperous place. To properly honor 
the heroism of our troops, we must make the most of our freedom secured 
by their efforts.
  In addition to the eight veterans who are to be honored at this 
patriotic celebration, I would also like to commend all of those who 
served this country for their bravery, courage, and undying commitment 
to patriotism and democracy. May God bless them all.
  We will forever be indebted to our veterans and their families for 
the sacrifices they made so that we can enjoy our freedom. Mr. Speaker, 
I ask that you and my colleagues join me in saluting these eight men 
and the other veterans who have fought for our great country.

                          ____________________