[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H3558-H3563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING DAY OF HONOR FOR MINORITY WORLD WAR II VETERANS

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 98) supporting the Day of Honor 2000 to 
honor and recognize the service of minority veterans in the United 
States Armed Forces during World War II.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 98

       Whereas World War II was a determining event of the 20th 
     century in that it ensured the preservation and continuation 
     of American democracy;
       Whereas the United States called upon all its citizens, 
     including the most oppressed of its citizens, to provide 
     service and sacrifice in that war to achieve the Allied 
     victory over Nazism and fascism;
       Whereas the United States citizens who served in that war, 
     many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, 
     included more than 1,200,000 African Americans, more than 
     300,000 Hispanic Americans, more than 50,000 Asian Americans, 
     more than 20,000 Native Americans, more than 6,000 Native 
     Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and more than 3,000 Native 
     Alaskans;
       Whereas because of invidious discrimination, many of the 
     courageous military activities of these minorities were not 
     reported and honored fully and appropriately until decades 
     after the Allied victory in World War II;
       Whereas the motto of the United States, ``E Pluribus Unum'' 
     (Out of Many, One), promotes our fundamental unity as 
     Americans and acknowledges our diversity as our greatest 
     strength; and
       Whereas the Day of Honor 2000 Project has enlisted 
     communities across the United States to participate in 
     celebrations to honor minority veterans of World War II on 
     May 25, 2000, and throughout the year 2000: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That 
     Congress--
       (1) commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian 
     American, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific 
     Islander, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the 
     United States Armed Forces who served during World War II;
       (2) especially honors those minority veterans who gave 
     their lives in service to the United States during that war;
       (3) supports the goals and ideas of the Day of Honor 2000 
     in celebration and recognition of the extraordinary service 
     of all minority veterans in the United States Armed Forces 
     during World War II; and
       (4) authorizes and requests that the President issue a 
     proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to 
     honor these minority veterans with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump).


                             General Leave

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on House Joint Resolution 98.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.J. Res. 98 commends minority veterans of the United 
States Armed Forces who served during World War II. I commend the 
authors of this resolution for promoting recognition of minority World 
War II veterans during this millennium year.
  Some of the groups that deserve greater public recognition for their 
heroic service in World War II include the

[[Page H3559]]

Tuskegee Airmen, who flew 15,533 missions in World War II and earned 
150 Distinguished Flying Crosses along with other high decorations; the 
442nd Nisei Regiment of Japanese-Americans became the most decorated 
group of soldiers in American history. The Nisei troops overcame 
considerable prejudice and suspicions while writing one of the most 
glorious pages in American military history.
  Another important story is that of the Navajo code-talkers, many from 
my home State of Arizona. Few units had more vital duties than these 
Native Americans, whose unique language led logically to assigning them 
as communicators. The enemy was never able to break their code, an 
achievement which contributed greatly to our final victory.
  In the Pacific Theater, the 158th Regimental Combat Team, known as 
the Bushmasters, an Arizona National Guard Unit, was comprised of a 
high percentage of Hispanic and American Indian soldiers. This unit saw 
heavy combat in the Philippines and was referred to by General Douglas 
MacArthur as ``the greatest fighting combat team ever deployed for 
battle.''
  Hopefully greater recognition of minority veterans will become a 
regular part of future Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations 
across this country, enhancing the magnitude of those two days so 
special to our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this 
bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with many of my colleagues today to honor and 
give thanks to America's minority veterans, the soldiers and sailors 
and men and women of our armed forces and, of course, my fellow 
Marines. More of the world is free today than ever before, thanks in no 
small part for their valor and sacrifice half a century ago. We 
sometimes do not remember that World War II was before the armed forces 
were desegregated and that process really took us solidly to Vietnam. 
So there were many years in which the men and women of the armed forces 
did not serve together on an integrated basis and did not get really 
the breaks perhaps that the majority of Americans have received 
throughout the time of this desegregation. As I said, more of the world 
is free now because of their efforts.
  It is altogether fitting and appropriate that this valor and 
sacrifice of a half a century ago be commemorated on May 25, 2000. I 
particularly commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee), for her leadership on this issue. I thank her for the 
well-deserved recognition which the Day of Honor 2000 will provide 
America's minority veterans with the respect that they deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International 
Affairs.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in strong support of H.J. 
Res. 98, a measure supporting a day of honor for our minority veterans 
of World War II. I thank our distinguished chairman of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), for 
recognizing how important this issue is.
  As the primary sponsor of legislation to restore benefits that were 
once stripped away from Filipino World War II veterans by an ungrateful 
Congress in 1946, I am fully aware of how our Nation has shamefully 
treated its minority veterans in years gone by. From the Civil War 
through Korea, before going into action, African American soldiers had 
to first battle against an ingrained prejudice among white commanders 
that they were somehow sub-par or otherwise incapable of engaging on 
equal terms as their white counterparts. These veterans always proved 
their worthiness in battle, only to find this lesson lost on the 
military command staff by the time the next war broke out.
  Even more distressing was the fact that contributions made by African 
American veterans were soon forgotten or glossed over since the 
fighting ended. President Clinton should be commended for his 
initiative to award the Medal of Honor to eight black veterans who had 
initially been passed over for this commendation.
  This legislation also honors the accomplishments and contributions 
made by Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native American 
veterans. Of these groups, two specifically bear mentioning. Many 
Japanese American veterans served with distinction during the Pacific 
War. They did that despite having their loyalties questioned by many in 
command, as well as many having their families back home living in 
internment camps.
  Moreover, Native Americans from several tribes played a vital role as 
code operators during the Korean War. In this they were naturals, since 
the chances of any axis code-breakers being fluent in a Native American 
language was highly remote.
  Mr. Speaker, this measure is long overdue, timely, and quite 
appropriate as we approach Memorial Day. Accordingly, I urge my 
colleagues to give their full, wholehearted support to this measure.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, might I add my appreciation to 
the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump), and as well to the distinguished gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member of the committee. I first want 
to pay tribute to them for always advocating on behalf of veterans in a 
unified and profound way that many across this Nation recognize.
  I think it is important, first of all, as we move toward honoring the 
first Memorial Day in the new millennium to thank all of those families 
whose loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we will honor them 
this coming week. It is important to acknowledge that the legislation 
that we have before us does not in any way substitute for the great 
appreciation that Americans have for all of those who gave the ultimate 
sacrifice and, of course, our veterans whom we honor.
  I am very honored to have been able to bring to the floor of the 
House, with the help of some 91 cosponsors, H.J. Res. 98. I was so 
moved when this particular opportunity came to my attention in my 
district in Houston with the leadership of Dr. Smith. The ceremony 
honoring those many minority veterans of World War II, in particular, 
was a challenge to keep from feeling the emotion that was in that room 
of veterans who were so very proud of their service, yet asking that we 
bring to the attention of America that when they did return, they were 
not given the honor that we knew they deserved.
  So I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 98 that I 
introduced on April 12, 2000. I am delighted by the bipartisan support 
for this joint resolution in both the United States House of 
Representatives and the United States Senate. The efforts of 
Representatives such as the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), the gentleman from South Carolina 
(Mr. Spence), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), as I mentioned, 
the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, have all been instrumental in bringing this 
resolution to the floor.
  I personally come to the floor in honor of my uncles, Eric Jackson, 
Allan Jackson Bernard Bennett, Samuel Jackson, all of whom fought or 
served during the time of World War II, and, of course, my very special 
now-deceased father-in-law, Philip Ferguson Lee, who was one of the 
honored Tuskegee Airman.
  The joint resolution designates May 25, 2000, as a national Day of 
Honor to honor minority veterans from World War II. In fact, the 
resolution calls upon communities across the Nation to participate in 
celebrations to honor minority veterans on May 25, 2000, and throughout 
the year 2000. Because this recognition is long overdue, it is 
appropriate that we honor and celebrate the

[[Page H3560]]

memories of the veterans that served or fought throughout the year.
  There are many that deserve thanks for making this day, and I again 
thank Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts for joining me for 
introducing an identical resolution in the United States Senate. That 
resolution passed by unanimous consent in the United States Senate on 
May 19, and I must say this has certainly been a wonderfully collective 
effort that has inspired veterans and children alike to follow the 
progress of this resolution through Congress. I likewise am proud by 
the superb grass-roots support offered by the Day of Honor 2000 
Project, a nonprofit organization based in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
  Through Dr. William A. Smith's leadership, the project's executive 
director, movement for the resolution took on a life of its own. He 
traveled across this Nation with an enormously moving film that I hope 
all of America will get a chance to see. His involvement in this effort 
reflects a greater sense of unity among Americans, that we must make 
amends for the past and we must do it together.

  Mr. Speaker, the resolution is another way of saying that we have not 
forgotten those who fought or served in World War II, while 
simultaneously discriminated against while at home. The resolution 
brings closure to the families of many veterans, and none of us can 
underestimate that phenomenon for each individual. The Day of Honor 
2000 project helped enlist the support of countless Americans to make 
this resolution possible. Without its support, the resolution would 
have probably never come to fruition.
  Our goal is that the Nation will heal and will have an opportunity to 
pause on May 25 and throughout the year to express our gratitude to the 
multicultural, multiracial veterans of all minority groups who served 
the Nation so well.
  When we look to the harrowing days of World War II, we remember and 
revere the acts of courage and personal sacrifice that each of our 
veterans gave to their Nation to achieve the allied victory over Nazism 
and Fascism. In the 1940s, minority were utilized in the allied 
operations, just as any other American. In fact, it is well known how 
many of them rose to the occasion of volunteering and seeking out the 
opportunity to serve in the United States military. They wanted to go 
and fight for their beloved America.
  During the war effort, at least 1.2 million African American citizens 
either served or sacrificed their lives. In addition, more than 300,000 
Hispanic Americans, more than 50,000 Asians, more than 20,000 Native 
Americans, more than 6,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and 
more than 3,000 Native Alaskans also served their country in protecting 
democracy and freedom.
  Despite the invidious discrimination that most minority veterans were 
subjected to at home, they fought honorably along with all other 
Americans, including other nations. As we have noted in the honor that 
President Clinton has given to some even in these last years, we 
realize that some were serving and gave much of their life to this 
country by sacrificing their health and subjecting themselves to 
injuries and yet were not honored when they returned. An African 
American was obliged to answer a call to duty, indeed possibly 
sacrificing his life, yet he or she enjoyed separate, but in many times 
unequal, status back at home.
  Too often, when basic issues of equality and respect for their 
service in the war arose, Jim Crow and racial discrimination replied 
with a resounding ``no.'' This is a sad, but very real, chapter of our 
history. This all happened, of course, before the emergence of Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. in America. As a Nation, we have long since 
recognized the unfair treatment of minorities as a travesty of justice. 
The enactment of fundamental civil rights laws by Congress over the 
past half century has remedied the worst of these injustices, and this 
has given us some hope. I have hope, we all have hope for America as we 
move together in the 21st century. But, as we all know, we have yet to 
give adequate recognition to the service, struggles, and sacrifices of 
the veterans, all of the brave veterans.
  For many of these minority veterans, the memories of World War II 
never disappear. When we lose a loved one, whether it is a mother, 
father, sibling, child, or friend, we often sense that we lose a part 
of ourselves. For each of us, the loss of life, whether expected or 
not, is not easily surmountable.
  Minority veterans had to overcome a great deal after the war. They 
not only came back to a Nation that did not treat them equally, but 
they were never recognized for the uniqueness of their efforts. Like 
many of us, they adapted to changes or were the engines of social 
change, but they have suffered and sacrificed so much that few of us 
will ever understand.
  Veterans are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. It is 
specially important, therefore, for Congress and the administration to 
do their part now to pay tribute to these men and women who served so 
valiantly in World War II. The minority veterans from World War II 
represent a significant part of what is being called America's Greatest 
Generation. They are American heroes that deserve recognition for this 
efforts. For this reason, the resolution specifically asks President 
Clinton to issue a proclamation ``calling upon the people of the United 
States to honor these minority veterans with appropriate programs and 
activities,'' and I ask my colleagues to do so in their respective 
districts.
  Winston Churchill once said that it is important for all of us to 
build wisely and surely, not for the moment, but for the years to come. 
I am so very gratified that my freedom was based upon the fact that 
these veterans served and many sacrificed their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join us in supporting this 
resolution, both H.J. Res. 98 and H.J. Res. 44. Might I just add for a 
moment a note of thanks to so many of our staff that helped this come 
to the fruition that it has come. Oliver Kellman, Mark Carrie, and Earl 
Smith, in my office worked long and hard on this legislation. Also, the 
wonderful staff that worked with the many members, Carl Commenator, 
chief counsel and staff director of veterans affairs; Michael Durishin 
of the Democratic staff; Jeannine McNally, Debbie Smith, Minda Fife, 
Stoval White, Rene Davidson, Linda Shealy, Craig Metz, Nick Martinelli, 
all of whom made this very possible, I thank them all. Again, I ask my 
colleagues to please support this very important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 98 
that I introduced on April 12, 2000. I am delighted by the bipartisan 
support for this joint resolution in both the United States House of 
Representatives and the United States Senate.
  The efforts of Representatives such as Corrine Brown of Florida, 
Representative J.C. Watts Jr., of Oklahoma, Chairman Floyd Spence of 
South Carolina, Chairman Bob Stump of the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, and Ranking Member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs Lane 
Evans have all been instrumental in bringing this resolution to the 
floor.
  The joint resolution designates May 25, 2000, as a national Day of 
Honor to honor minority veterans from World War II. In fact, the 
resolution calls upon communities across the nation to participate in 
celebrations to honor minority veterans on May 25, 2000, and throughout 
the year 2000. Because this recognition is long overdue, it is 
appropriate that we honor and celebrate the memories of the veterans 
who served or fought throughout the year.
  There are many that deserve thanks for making this day a reality. I 
want to extend my special thanks to Senator Edward Kennedy of 
Massachusetts for joining me by introducing an identical resolution in 
the United States Senate. That resolution passed by unanimous consent 
in the U.S. Senate on May 19th. I must say this has certainly been a 
wonderful collective effort that has inspired veterans and children 
alike who have followed the progress of the resolution through 
Congress.
  I am also proud, of course, by the superb grassroots support offered 
by The Day of Honor 2000 Project, a non-profit organization based in 
Marlborro, Massachusetts.
  Through Dr. William H. Smith's leadership, the Project Executive, 
movement for the resolution took on a life of its own. His involvement 
in this effort reflects a greater sense of unity among Americans that 
we must make amends for the past.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution is another way of saying that we have not

[[Page H3561]]

forgotten those who fought or served during World War II while 
simultaneously discriminated against while at home. Mr. Speaker, the 
resolution brings closure to the families of many veterans. And none of 
us can underestimate that phenomenon for each individual.
  The Day of Honor 2000 Project helped enlist the support of countless 
Americans to make this resolution possible. Without its support, the 
resolution would have probably never come to fruition.
  Our goal is that the nation will have an opportunity to pause on May 
25th and throughout the year to express our gratitude to the veterans 
of all minority groups who served the nation so ably.
  When we look back to the harrowing days of World War II, we remember 
and revere the acts of courage and personal sacrifice that each of our 
veterans gave to their nation to achieve Allied victory over Nazism and 
fascism. In the 1940s, minorities were utilized in the allied 
operations just as any other American.
  During the war effort, at least 1,200,000 African Americans citizens 
either served or sacrificed their lives. In addition, more than 300,000 
Hispanic Americans more than 50,000 Asians, more than 20,000 Native 
Americans, more than 6,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and 
more than 3,000 Native Alaskans also either served their country in 
protecting democracy and freedom.
  Despite the invidious discrimination that most minority veterans were 
subject to at home, they fought honorably along with all other 
Americans, including other nations. An African American was obliged to 
answer a call to duty, indeed possibly sacrifice his life, yet he or 
she enjoyed separate but equal status back home.
  Too often, when basic issues of equality and respect for their 
service in the war arose, Jim Crow and racial discrimination replied 
with a resounding ``no.'' This is a sad but very real chapter of our 
history.
  This all happened, of course, before the emergence of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. in America. As a nation, we have long since recognized 
the unfair treatment of minorities as a travesty of justice. The 
enactment of fundamental civil rights laws by Congress over the past 
half-century have remedied the worst of these injustices. And this has 
given us some hope. But, as we all know, we have yet to give adequate 
recognition to the service, struggles, and sacrifices of all our brave 
veteran Americans.
  For many of these minority veterans, the memories of World War II 
never disappear. When we lose a loved one, whether it is a mother, 
father, sibling, child, or friend, we often sense that we lose a part 
of ourselves. For each of us, the loss of life--whether expected or 
not--is not easily surmountable.
  Minority veterans had to overcome a great deal after the war. They 
not only came back to a nation that did not treat them equally, but 
they were never recognized for the uniqueness of their efforts during 
the war. Like many of us, they adapted to changes or were the engines 
of social change. But they have suffered and sacrificed so much that 
few of us will ever understand.
  Veterans are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. It is 
especially important, therefore, for Congress and the Administration to 
do their part now to pay tribute to these men and women who served so 
valiantly in World War II.
  The minority veterans from World War II represent a significant part 
of what has been called America's Greatest Generation. They are 
American heroes that deserve recognition for their efforts. For this 
reason, the resolution specifically asks President Clinton to issue a 
proclamation ``calling upon the people of the United States to honor 
these minority veterans with appropriate programs and activities.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this 
resolution. I thank all my colleagues, in both Houses of Congress, for 
their assistance in helping bring closure to the lives of so many 
deserving Americans.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Indiana (Ms. Carson), a tireless and effective advocate for our 
veterans.
  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I thank the chairman of the committee and certainly the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member, the outstanding veteran 
himself, and certainly the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), 
for the eloquent, articulate, and thorough presentation on behalf of 
this needed resolution.
  I remember, Mr. Speaker, the heroism of the Buffalo soldiers serving 
in the vast West as our Nation grew to the Pacific many years ago, a 
fine tradition.
  Today, it is altogether fitting that we honor and recognize the 
service of minority veterans in our armed forces during World War II. 
All together, some 1.2 million African Americans served alongside 
300,000 Hispanic Americans; and 50,000 Asian Americans served during 
World War II, shoulder-to-shoulder with other Americans, in the common 
cause of defeating the Axis powers.
  The ordinary ground-pounding soldiers served uncommonly well, with 
great courage, in segregated units.

                              {time}  1245

  The trials and tribulations of the black men who wanted to fly, our 
Tuskegee Airmen, who grew wings to show the way for a generation; the 
extraordinary valor of our soldiers of Asian descent, fighting fiercely 
in Europe, even as many of their families were imprisoned in camps in 
our West; our Native American code-talkers who used their languages to 
puzzle and defeat Japanese eavesdroppers, far from their tribal lands. 
Those who served so well truly deserve our special honor but, Mr. 
Speaker, the happy result of relative peace for us in these times is, 
at the same time, a sort of sad fact for America.
  Our veterans, no matter their race, color, or national origin, are a 
minority. Few who benefit from our life and our liberties each day have 
ever had occasion to serve our flag, have ever put themselves in harm's 
way for our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with humility and a deep sense of 
gratitude for those men and women who fought and who sacrificed 
themselves for the freedom of this country to preserve the principle of 
having one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all people.
  Mr. Speaker, for our minority veterans, for our veterans' minority, 
let us remember the service, the sacrifice of all, especially for this 
day of honor for minority soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful that I have had an opportunity to 
speak on this resolution.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I did an injustice to the Tuskegee Airmen. I misspoke a 
moment ago when I said they flew 1,500 sorties. Actually, they 
distinguished themselves by flying 15,533 sorties, and I want to 
correct the record.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on H.J. Res. 
98, which will designate May 25, 2000 as the Day of Honor to celebrate 
minority veterans throughout the country. This day will be set aside to 
recognize the service of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian 
Americans, and Hispanic Americans in World War II. The service and 
sacrifice of these men and women is all the more moving because, in 
many cases, they fought to protect freedoms that they themselves did 
not fully enjoy.
  Today, we understand that part of what makes a community livable is 
respect for diversity and an appreciation of our differences. 
Understanding our history, even when it contains difficult memories, is 
an important part of bridging the ethnic and cultural divisions that 
still trouble us.
  African Americans were the largest group of minority Americans to 
serve in World War II. More than a million African American men and 
women served in the United States Armed Forces in the war. The famed 
332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskeegee Airmen never lost a bomber under 
their escort to an enemy fighter in 200 missions.
  The Day of Honor was celebrated in Portland last Saturday at 
Reflections, a coffee and book store in my district. African American 
servicemen from all branches of the United States military were 
recognized for their sacrifice and heroism on the battlefield. I was 
especially pleased that Mr. Edgar L. Bolden, who served with the 
Tuskeegee Airmen and now lives in the district I serve, was the guest 
speaker at the event. Mr. Bolden trained as a fighter

[[Page H3562]]

pilot with the Tuskeegee Airmen, serving his country honorably, and 
then went on to receive an engineering degree and work for the Federal 
Aviation Administration and in the private sector.
  Another outstanding group of African Americans who served our country 
in World War II was the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the Army's 
only all-African American parachute infantry unit. Born within an armed 
forces that had typically relegated African Americans to menial jobs 
and programmed them for failure, the 555th or ``Triple Nickels'' as 
they were called, received new orders as the war was drawing to a 
close--a change of station to Pendleton Air Base in Pendleton, Oregon.
  The 555th acquired a new nickname, the ``Smoke Jumpers'' and they 
were on emergency call to fight forest fires in any of several western 
states. Their other mission was ``Operation Firefly'' in which they 
would parachute into areas where there were suspected Japanese 
``balloon bombs--incendiary devices that had traveled across the 
Pacific on hydrogen balloons and posed the risk of setting fires and 
were a danger to people. Indeed, a woman and five children were killed 
by one of these bombs near Bly, in southern Oregon. The Triple Nickels 
carried out the hazardous mission of locating and disposing of these 
bombs. Two years later in 1947, the 555th became the unit that 
integrated the Army when they became members of the 82nd Airborne.
  These are just a few of the many examples of sacrifice and bravery 
displayed by minority veterans in World War II. I'd like to take this 
opportunity to thank all of our veterans. It is because of them that we 
were able to exercise the freedoms that are central to our Nation's 
character.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 98 
offered by Congresswoman Jackson-Lee and sponsored by senator Kennedy 
in the Senate. As a co-sponsor I welcome this long over due resolution, 
which calls for a presidential proclamation designating May 25, 2000 as 
a national Day of Honor for minority veterans of World War II.
  This resolution is an important and fitting tribute to the tens of 
thousands of minority Americans who set aside political, economic and 
social disenfranchisement, to answer the call to arms against the 
forces of tyranny.
  In the beginning of the war, many minority servicemen were relegated 
to serve only in ``rear echelon'' positions or support positions during 
the war. They served as munitions men, truck drivers, cooks, stewards, 
and in cleaning and repair details. Minorities also labored in the 
factories and farms throughout the United States working towards the 
war effort. In many cases, when in combat zones, the men in these 
positions manned weapons and fought honorably side-by-side with white 
soldiers and sailors during furious engagements.
  Later in the war, after much lobbying efforts by minority leaders, 
combat units were established for minorities. These brave men and women 
came from all walks of life but were bound by a love of the principles 
of duty to God and county. They lived in a separate component of 
American society that was defined by an unfortunate climate of 
prejudice. African-Americans, Hispanics, native Hawaiians, Chamorros, 
Samoans, Asian Americans, Filipinos, American Indians, and Native 
Alaskans all served honorably in many capacities with the U.S. military 
to combat the hegemonic forces of Germany, Italy and Japan.
  In segregated units, often led by white officers, these noble men 
distinguished themselves in combat and proved to the entire nation that 
they too were willing to lay down their lives for freedom. The 
Tuskeegee Airmen, the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th 
Infantry Battalion, the Navaho Code-Talkers, the U.S. Navy's Fita Fita 
Guard (a U.S. Navy auxiliary unit in American Samoa), the 1st Samoan 
Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Guam Combat Patrol (a U.S. Marine 
Corps auxiliary unit in Guam) are just a few of the organizations where 
minorities fought valiantly in some of the most difficult combat 
assignments anywhere in World War II.
  This Joint Resolution commends the African, Hispanic, Asian, and 
Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and Alaskans, Pacific Islanders and 
all other minority veterans, especially those who lost their lives. It 
also authorizes and requests that the President issue a proclamation 
calling upon the people of the United States to honor minority veterans 
with appropriate programs and activities. I want to thank both 
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee and Senator Kennedy for bringing this Joint 
Resolution to the floor and ensuring that all Pacific Islanders were 
accounted for within the language of this bill. We are all humbled and 
honored by their service and sacrifice. I urge all my colleagues to 
vote for its passage.
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 98, I 
rise today in strong support of legislation that would honor those 
minority World War II veterans who served our nation when duty called. 
On May 25, 2000, the Day of Honor Project, will be honoring those 
minority servicemen and women made to help our nation during World War 
II.
  It is estimated that more than 1.2 million African-Americans, more 
than 300,000 Hispanic-Americans, more than 50,000 Asian-Americans, more 
than 20,000 American Indians, more than 6,000 Native Hawaiians and 
Pacific Islanders, and 3,000 Native Alaskans served in the Armed Forces 
during World War II.
  I believe that these men and women deserve our thanks for courageous 
service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. In many cases, these 
minority veterans did not receive proper recognition or awards for 
their valor and courage during wartime efforts.
  This Sense of the House resolution is part of the national effort to 
enlist communities around the nation to honor these World War II 
minority veterans as part of their Memorial day celebrations. This 
legislation also requests that the President of the United States issue 
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor 
these minority veterans with appropriate programs and activities.
  On May 25, 2000, I will be remembering these men and women who gave 
their lives in some cases for our freedom. As we all remember, freedom 
is not free and we all must never forget the sacrifices that these men 
and women made to ensure our freedom today.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to 
honor those who have served in your communities.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support for H.J. Res. 98, 
Honoring WWII Minority Veterans.
  This legislation honors their service and sacrifice.
  Despite suffering from inequality and discrimination back home and in 
the military, they did not hesitate to defend America with courage and 
dedication.
  Our World War II veterans whether Hispanic, Native American, Asian, 
Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or African-American, participated in combat 
operations around the globe to stem the tide of fascism with pride and 
distinction.
  Their bravery, dedication, and commitment was unwavering as reflected 
in the disproportionate number of Medal of Honor winners among their 
ranks.
  Furthermore, as shown by our Native American Navajo soldiers, their 
particular and unique skills in the war effort directly contributed to 
the early success and ultimate victory of our armed forces.
  Clearly, our minority World War II veterans are patriots and heroes 
of the highest order. They put their lives on the line for America, 
while segregation and prejudice persisted in their homes and toward 
their families.
  Their efforts and service in defense of our Nation, broke stereotypes 
and the prejudice they endured served to breakdown the doors of 
segregation for future generations. Nonetheless, far too many of these 
veterans returned to a Nation that did not fully recognize their 
service, nor welcome them back like other American soldiers who had 
defended our freedom and liberty.
  It is long overdue that we give them the recognition and accolades 
they deserve.
  Our minority veterans should be celebrated, honored, and recognized 
for their exceptional contributions to the war effort as part of 
``America's Greatest Generation.''
  They fought against fascism abroad, and racism and segregation at 
home. They are veterans of war and veterans of the struggle for freedom 
and civil rights.
  I therefore am pleased that we commend these veterans for their 
service and sacrifice with this Joint Resolution.
  This bill will honor those minority veterans who gave their lives, 
support the goals of a Day of Honor in celebration and recognition of 
their extraordinary service, and authorize and request a Presidential 
proclamation to honor these veterans with appropriate programs and 
activities.
  These veterans deserve this recognition and we owe them a tremendous 
debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
  However, with this resolution let us salute and thank our minority 
World War II veterans.
  I therefore ask that my colleagues join me to overwhelmingly support 
this bill.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Veterans' Affairs Committee for 
bringing this important resolution before the House of Representatives 
this week. The committed service of the veterans of World War II, 
especially that of minority veterans, can never be noted too often. For 
minority veterans, their desire to serve this country was a monumental 
movement in democracy and social change.
  While many people pinpoint the 1960s, and the civil rights movement 
in that decade, with

[[Page H3563]]

moving the nation closer to social progress, it was WWII and the 
minority veterans who distinguished themselves so often and so 
valiantly who gave us the opportunity to move forward as a community 
and a nation.
  Let me tell you a little bit about one of the most important and 
influential members of the WWII generation. Those Hispanics who fought 
against the Nazis and Imperial Japan showed their bravery and courage 
time and time again. They came home from the war that equalized the 
rich and poor, educated and uneducated, to a country which still openly 
discriminated against them because of their ethnicity.
  Probably the best-known WWII veteran Hispanic descent in South Texas 
was Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia came back to South Texas and was, 
with many Hispanic veterans, treated with familiar contempt by people 
in the country for which they had shed blood in a great war and a just 
cause.
  What crystallized the cause of civil rights for so many Hispanic 
veterans and Hispanic Americans was the treatment of Army Private Felix 
Longoria, a soldier lost in WWII. Longoria's family wanted to bury him 
at Three Rivers near their home, but the cemetery was for whites only.
  Dr. Garcia, and all veterans who were coming home were shocked by the 
blatant racism that was still so prevalent in their home. They believed 
in fighting for the cause of democracy and for the United States. They 
also believed that their service would bring them the respect that had 
elluded them in everyday life before the war.
  Dr. Garcia called the funeral home and asked them to reconsider. The 
funeral home owner refused. Dr. Garcia and other South Texas veterans 
were not deterred. They took their case to the federal level via 
telegrams and correspondence. Longoria was buried two months later in 
Arlington National Cemetery with the help of then-Senator Lyndon 
Johnson.
  Out of all this came the American GI Forum, the first Hispanic civil 
rights organization. Hispanics in the United States have proudly served 
their country from the American Revolution to our NATO activity in 
Kosovo. In the course of that service, 38 Hispanics have been awarded 
the Medal of Honor, our country's highest award for military bravery 
and service. That is the highest number of Medals of Honor among ethnic 
minorities. I appreciate the efforts of the House of Representatives 
today in honoring these minority veterans.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 98, 
the Day of Honor 2000 to honor and recognize the service of minority 
veterans in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. I am an 
original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 98.
  Since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers (1866), minorities have served 
with bravery and distinction in the United States Military with little 
or no recognition. There were twenty-three Medal of Honor recipients 
from the four African American army regiments that came to be known as 
the Buffalo Soldiers.
  Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians also served 
their country honorably and with great distinction during World War II.
  Many Japanese-Americans served with the Army's much-decorated 442nd 
Regimental Combat Team or 100th Infantry Battalion. Organized in 
Hawaii, the units fought in Europe. About one-third of their members 
volunteered from U.S. relocation camps to which they had been sent as 
``enemies'' of America.
  In four weeks of heavy combat in October-November 1944, the 442d RCT 
liberated Bruyeers and Biffontaine and rescued a ``lost battalion'' 
that had become cut off from the 36th Division. For this the 100th, 2d, 
and 3d Battalions, 442d Infantry, and the 232d Engineer Company were 
each awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation [later re-designated as 
the President Unit Citation].
  Two soldiers of Asian ancestry, Army Pfc. Sadao Munemori and Jose 
Calugas of the Philippine Scouts, received the Medal of Honor, the 
nation's highest military accolade, during the World War II era.
  At least 20 Asian-American heroes of World War II will belatedly 
receive the Medal of Honor in the White House ceremony on June 21. Only 
441 such awards were given during WWII. This tribute completes an 
effort ordered by Congress to identify Asian-Americans and Pacific 
Islanders who had won the second-highest medal, the Distinguished 
Service Cross, and to recommend Medal of Honor upgrades to President 
Clinton in deserving cases. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, will be among 
those recipients. Many others cited were killed in action or have died 
since the war, and family members will accept the awards posthumously.
  Primary among Pacific Islanders serving in WWII were the Filipino 
Vets. As members of Philippine army scouts and guerrilla units attached 
to U.S. forces during World War II, they fought alongside Americans at 
Bataan, survived the infamous ``Death March,'' hid and fed U.S. 
soldiers who escaped capture and helped Gen. Douglas MacArthur's army 
liberate their homeland, then an American colony. These deserving 
veterans are in a fight, even now, to obtain the benefits they deserve 
from the United States government.
  This is a record of stellar service. So, it is fitting that we pass 
H.J. Res. 98 today to honor those who served as well during that war 
and who have never truly been recognized for their effort and their 
sacrifices--often the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 
98.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the joint resolution was agreed 
to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 44) supporting 
the Day of Honor 2000 to honor and recognize the service of minority 
veterans in the United States Armed Forces during World War II, and ask 
for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate joint resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the Senate joint resolution, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 44

       Whereas World War II was a determining event of the 20th 
     century in that it ensured the preservation and continuation 
     of American democracy;
       Whereas the United States called upon all its citizens, 
     including the most oppressed of its citizens, to provide 
     service and sacrifice in that war to achieve the Allied 
     victory over Nazism and fascism;
       Whereas the United States citizens who served in that war, 
     many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, 
     included more than 1,200,000 African Americans, more than 
     300,000 Hispanic Americans, more than 50,000 Asian Americans, 
     more than 20,000 Native Americans, more than 6,000 Native 
     Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and more than 3,000 Native 
     Alaskans;
       Whereas because of invidious discrimination, many of the 
     courageous military activities of these minorities were not 
     reported and honored fully and appropriately until decades 
     after the Allied victory in World War II;
       Whereas the motto of the United States, ``E Pluribus Unum'' 
     (Out of Many, One), promotes our fundamental unity as 
     Americans and acknowledges our diversity as our greatest 
     strength; and
       Whereas the Day of Honor 2000 Project has enlisted 
     communities across the United States to participate in 
     celebrations to honor minority veterans of World War II on 
     May 25, 2000, and throughout the year 2000: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That 
     Congress--
       (1) commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian 
     American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific 
     Islanders, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the 
     United States Armed Forces who served during World War II;
       (2) especially honors those minority veterans who gave 
     their lives in service to the United States during that war;
       (3) supports the goals and ideas of the ``Day of Honor 
     2000'' in celebration and recognition of the extraordinary 
     service of all minority veterans in the United States Armed 
     Forces during World War II; and
       (4) authorizes and requests that the President issue a 
     proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to 
     honor these minority veterans with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

  The Senate joint resolution was ordered to be read a third time, was 
read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on 
the table.
  A similar House joint resolution (H.J. Res. 98) was laid on the 
table.

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