[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           MEMORIAL DAY 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to share 
some thoughts, as we gather this weekend around our congressional 
districts to commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for 
all of us in the name of liberty.
  It is appropriate that we take time out of our busy lives to remember 
all those whose fates are still unknown, and to thank all those who 
continue to carry our Nation's torch of freedom on the battlefield, on 
the seas, and in the air, throughout the world, so that we in America 
may continue to enjoy the full fruits of our liberties . . .
  Memorial Day is a time for all Americans to honor our fallen heroes, 
our Veterans and our dedicated service men and women who are serving in 
peacekeeping missions in troubled areas throughout the world.
  On Memorial Day, I will be participating in numerous Veterans 
observances throughout my 20th Congressional District, including the 
Castle Point VA Hospital, the American Legion Post #199 Memorial Day 
Parade; and the Memorial Day Parade at the Village of Florida by Post 
#1250.
  Other events include the dedication of the Frederic Malek Tennis 
Courts at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Frederic Malek, a 
West Point graduate, 1959, served as an airborne ranger attached to the 
Special Forces in Vietnam. Mr. Malek continued to serve his country in 
key roles for three presidents as Deputy Under Secretary of the 
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, as Deputy Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget and as Director of the 1990 Summit of 
Major Industrialization.
  Historian Barbara Tuchman stated: `War is the unfolding of 
miscalculations . . .''
  Remembering our heroes of the past, reminds us not to make any 
miscalculations that could lead to any future war:
  Miscalculations . . . of our being perceived as being weak; of 
allowing our defenses to atrophy; of neglecting America's best 
interests; of ignoring the needs of our Veterans and those who continue 
to serve today.
  Our 107th Congress, under the leadership of President Bush, is 
working to ensure that our Veterans will have the support they deserve 
. . .
  In the FY 2002 budget there are significant increases in spending for 
Veterans programs, including a 16-percent increase in mandatory 
spending, and in new funds for the G.I. bill.
  In March, the House passed H.R. 811, the Veterans Hospitals Emergency 
Repair Act, authorizing funds to repair the V.A.'s medical facilities, 
and, by a unanimous vote, the House passed the Veterans Survivor 
Benefits Improvements Act, expanding life insurance benefits for the 
spouses and children of our Veterans.
  Along with our House Veterans Committee Chairman, Chris Smith, we are 
working to move forward with the 21st century Montgomery G.I. Bill 
Enhancement Act, increasing the education benefit for service members 
and Veterans.
  Moreover, I've introduced the American Gold Star Parents Annuity Act, 
creating a new annuity for our gold star parents.
  And finally, just this week, the House and Senate passed legislation, 
expediting the construction of the World War II Memorial in Washington, 
a fitting and long overdue tribute to our Nation's World War II 
Veterans.
  In the words of President Teddy Roosevelt, ``A man who is good enough 
to give his blood for his country, is good enough to be given a square 
deal afterwards'' . . .
  To our Nation's Veterans, I send my thanks and pledge to remain 
committed to their cause and general welfare.
  In their spirit, on this Memorial Day, let us rededicate ourselves to 
the men and women, who worked and died together, so that our Nation may 
remain free and continue to stand as a beacon of liberty for the entire 
world.
  To all our Veterans we say thank you and God bless.

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