[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 122 (Wednesday, October 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1671-E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   VETERANS' ORAL HISTORY PROJECT ACT

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                               speech of

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation offered 
by the gentleman from Wisconsin, the Veterans' Oral History Project, 
because it encompasses American pride and patriotism. Our veterans are 
the heroes who helped preserve our American heritage. They are living 
evidence that freedom is never free, and they carry the honor of 
hundreds of thousands who breathed their last breath on the field of 
battle.
  Some months ago, I introduced legislation to recognize the American 
G.I. as the most influential figure of the 20th century. I was proud 
that my legislation passed this House unanimously, and I believe the 
legislation we debate this evening is critical to our effort to 
recognize and preserve a record of the sacrifices of every man and 
woman who served our Nation. The importance of documenting the personal 
accounts of our country's veterans cannot be understated. For 
generations, American troops have served to ensure freedom and 
democracy in all corners of the world. Their contributions are woven 
not only into the history of a grateful nation but also the history of 
a peaceful world.
  Over the course of the last few months, I have asked veterans 
throughout my district, the 8th District of North Carolina, to share 
with me their wartime experiences. Their response has been amazing. 
Every American should have the opportunity to read the brave accounts 
of veterans like James Holt, James Wells, and Willie Monday--to name 
just a few. Crew Chief Holt recounts his WWII missions and America's 
contribution in defeating Hitler.

[[Page E1672]]

Similarly, Mrs. Shuping writes on behalf of her father, James Archie 
Wells, who fought to liberate Okinawa, and Captain Monday recalls his 
reconnaissance missions over the Philippines. This, Mr. Speaker, is the 
best of American history--and there is an abundance of it. That's why 
this legislation is so very important. The memory of those we lost and 
the sacrifice of those who lived to tell the tale must be preserved and 
held in high esteem by a Congress and a country that extends our 
veterans its utmost respect and heartfelt gratitude.
  I commend my colleague from Wisconsin for his initiative on this 
issue and urge my colleagues support for this worthy legislation.

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