[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES AND FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WHO 
SERVED NATION DURING VIETNAM ERA AND FAMILIES OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO 
LOST THEIR LIVES OR REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR OR WERE INJURED DURING THAT 
                                  ERA

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                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 10, 2000

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 228.
  This bill recognizes and honors the sacrifice of our Vietnam-era 
veterans, their families, and those who are still unaccounted for and 
remain missing.
  It is important for our nation to never forget the service of these 
military personnel.
  Over 3.5 million U.S. military personnel served in the Republic of 
Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and millions more served around the world 
during the Vietnam era.
  As a Vietnam Veteran, I am proud of the service of these men and 
women.
  I saw first hand their incredible commitment and unwavering 
dedication to our national defense and American ideals.
  After a quarter of a century since the end of the Vietnam War, it is 
important for all Americans to reflect on the incredible sacrifices 
made by these veterans who stood up to communism in Southeast Asia and 
around the world.
  Our Vietnam-era veterans are heroes for their incredible courage and 
bravery both here in the United States and while deployed overseas.
  They fought for freedom during a time when public support for their 
efforts was divided.
  They returned to a nation that unfortunately did not welcome them 
back with the gratitude they deserved.
  This was after they had withstood some of the most vicious and 
difficult combat conditions imaginable.
  The effects of these circumstances on the lives of our Vietnam-era 
veterans and their families can never be fully measured.
  Therefore, let us never forget the honorable service of our Vietnam-
era veterans, and the heavy price paid by their friends and families.
  Their sacrifice paved the way for the freedom and security we enjoy 
today, and no American should take for granted their willingness to 
serve in support of our national security and to turn back the tide of 
totalitarianism.
  This resolution serves as a strong reminder of our gratitude to our 
Vietnam-era Veterans and to our soldiers currently deployed around the 
world.
  It sends a message that we will never forget the memory of those who 
paid the ultimate price for the cause of freedom, and maintains our 
commitment to those who remain unaccounted for and are still missing.
  Let this bill strengthen our resolve on behalf of our Vietnam-era 
veterans and their families, and serve as an expression of our 
appreciation and gratitude.
  As someone who serves on the House Armed Services and Veterans' 
Affairs Committees, I salute our Vietnam-era Veterans and am proud to 
co-sponsor this legislation.

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