[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2047-E2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, Abraham Lincoln once said ``let us have 
faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to the end, dare 
to do our duty as we understand it.'' President Lincoln was no stranger 
to the price of liberty. The largest war on American soil was fought 
before his eyes.
  During this time when Americans are again answering the call to 
protect our beloved nation, it is imperative the House appropriately 
recognize and thank those who so valiantly and selflessly served this 
great nation.
  The comforts and prosperity enjoyed today have been dearly purchased 
with American blood. Freedom, justice, and liberty are more than mere 
slogans. They are principles that have drawn the ire of America's 
enemies beginning with King George and the British Army.

[[Page E2048]]

  On November 11th, Veterans' Day, Americans pay solemn respects to the 
men and women in uniform who have served faithfully through peace, war, 
and now terror. Even though many have defined the present war on 
terrorism as uncharacteristic, the enemies are substantially the same. 
They are evil people who would attempt to change America's policies 
through fear and intimidation. History is replete with such tyrants.
  Even after years of relative peace, the American military is the envy 
of the world. It is the best trained, the most technologically 
advanced, and the best equipped. Their cause has always been just. 
Without America's veterans, we would not have a nation worth defending 
today.
  Yes, the challenge posed by the barbarians of terror is no match for 
the strength of our military, but it is also inferior to the spirit of 
the American people. This nation has not forgotten the heroism of its 
veterans. It cannot and will not ignore their contributions. This is 
what Veterans' Day is all about.
  While we live in the most prosperous and blessed nation on earth, the 
events of September 11th are a solemn reminder that our struggle is not 
yet over. On November 11th, just one year ago, most Americans gathered 
and thanked God for giving our nation peace. From Him, America's 
veterans drew the full measure of courage during times of greatest 
peril.
  Thanks to America's veterans, the children of tomorrow will give 
thanks again for living in a great nation at peace. The next generation 
will be part of a country that will not be intimidated by terrorism. 
They will inherit an America which refused to look the other way when 
confronted by evil.
  On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, of 
1918 the soldiers of ``The Great War'' said goodbye to battlefields 
with names like Flanders, Verdun, and Ardennes. Many believed WWI would 
be the ``war to end all wars.'' Unfortunately, they were perhaps, too 
optimistic, for aggression has been displaced.
  At this time in our history, Americans no longer have the luxury of 
ignoring the price of liberty. The men and women at the Pentagon, the 
World Trade Center, and those who fight on land, sea, and air 
throughout the world have reminded all of us that we have all inherited 
a sacred privilege.
  In a letter to the mother of fallen soldiers, Lincoln prayed comfort 
for the families of those who laid ``so costly a sacrifice upon the 
altar of freedom.'' As much as our thoughts and prayers are with those 
who have already been lost and the legions more who are entering this 
fight, each and every American should also turn their thoughts to those 
families who remain behind.
  This year especially, as the nation celebrates Veterans' Day, it is 
important to give thanks and to take inspiration from the great 
sacrifices of the brave men and women who have delivered, and are today 
protecting our mighty nation. In commemorating the achievements of 
America's veterans, we should recommit our own lives, our fortunes, and 
our sacred honor to maintenance of liberty--just as the veterans we 
honor have so nobly done.

                          ____________________