[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 155 (Friday, November 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           VETERANS DAY, 2001

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, it is my privilege to rise and thank 
the men and women who have served in our Nation's armed forces. This 
Sunday, November 11, 2001, our country takes a moment to recognize the 
men and women who have made our country a free Nation for over 225 
years.
  Veterans Day is a day that is as diverse and as rich in history as 
the many battles that were fought defending our freedom. November 11, 
1918 is the date most remembered as the 11th hour of the 11th day of 
the 11th month. This day began with the laying down of arms and blowing 
of whistles. Impromptu parades were held and shops closed for the day 
to honor veterans. 83 years ago November 11 became known as ``Armistice 
Day.''
  For 16 peaceful years following World War I, the United States along 
with other countries such as Canada, Australia and Britain celebrated 
this day. A moment of silence at the allotted hour of 11AM was held to 
remember the sacrifices that men and women made in order to ensure that 
freedom reigns.
  Sadly, as we all know, war is a part our lives. Around every corner 
adversity and evil exists. However, Americans being steadfast and 
always determined to live life peacefully continued to observe a day of 
remembrance and appreciation on November 11.
  In 1938 Congress passed a bill that November 11 ``shall be dedicated 
to the cause of world peace and. . .hereafter celebrated and known as 
Armistice Day.'' But shortly thereafter World War II broke out. Over 
Sixteen million--I repeat, over sixteen million--Americans took part in 
World War II. Veterans Day was officially recognized in 1954 when the 
late President Eisenhower signed a bill that proclaimed November 11 as 
Veterans Day.
  We also pay tribute to those soldiers who made the ultimate 
sacrifice. In 1921 an American soldier, whose name was ``known but to 
God,'' was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This soldier became 
the personification of dignity and reverence for America's veterans. In 
1958, two more unidentified fallen American soldiers from World War II 
and Korea were interred next to their comrade of World War I. These 
brave soldiers, and all those who have died on the battle field who 
have never returned home for a proper burial, are guarded day and night 
by men and women in the armed services.
  Today America is facing a new kind of war, one that does not quickly 
assimilate with previous conflicts our soldiers have faced, a war that 
is being fought by men and women who, as thousands before them, have 
answered the call to duty to protect and defend our freedom.
  Our military is engaged in conflict overseas with a vile and inhumane 
enemy, an enemy that lives in shadows, strikes at innocent civilians, 
and finds victory in terror. It is a new kind of war. But one thing 
remains the same. Our armed forces carry on the fight for freedom.
  On September 11, our world changed. Once again, we are a nation at 
war. Once again, our troops are engaged in conflict overseas. And once 
again, they will prevail.
  It is my sincere honor to thank all veterans who have served in our 
armed forces.

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