[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        DAY OF HONOR OBSERVANCE

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to wholeheartedly 
support a resolution to designate May 25 as ``Day of Honor 2000,'' to 
recognize African American and other minorities who fought so valiantly 
during World War II. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage 
nationwide participation in this Day of Honor Observance.
  African Americans and other minorities fought and died in World War 
II to protect the freedom and liberty that we so often take for 
granted. Too often during the war and in years since, these brave men 
and women were subjected to unfair discrimination and have never 
received the recognition they deserve.
  In 1941, we lived in an era in which African Americans could not eat 
at a lunch room counter with others, or drink from the same water 
fountains. Yet, we felt no hesitation in asking these same Americans to 
fight for democracy. As a member of the Senate Armed Services 
Committee, I see firsthand the sacrifices that our men and women in the 
armed forces make to preserve America's freedom. How much harder must 
it have been to make these same sacrifices fifty years ago. We owe them 
more than we can ever repay, and for this reason I wholeheartedly 
support a resolution and encourage nationwide participation in 
recognizing those African Americans who helped to preserve the liberty 
that has made our country great.
  Pittsburgh will be joining cities across the nation who will host a 
``Day of Honor Observance'' on March 15, 2000, as part of the effort to 
recognize these citizens to whom we owe so much. I will be 
participating in this observance and I encourage you to join me in 
honoring those who put their lives on the line so that we might be 
free.

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