[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H8185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE VISION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF HARRY W. COLMERY

  (Mr. RYUN of Kansas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vision 
and achievements of Mr. Harry W. Colmery of Topeka, Kansas. Mr. 
Colmery's efforts led to the enactment of the GI Bill of Rights in 
1944. This bill made a college education possible for 2 million 
veterans and has also allowed for more than 2 million others to buy 
homes for their families.
  In December of 1943, Harry Colmery, the National Commander of the 
American Legion, wrote the first draft of what became the Servicemen's 
Readjustment Act, known as the GI Bill. Thanks to the work of Mr. 
Colmery and others, his bill was signed into law by President Roosevelt 
some 6 months later.
  The GI Bill continues to serve as a fitting reward to servicemen and 
women who have risked their lives to protect our freedom. Millions were 
able to better themselves and their families through higher education.
  For this reason, I am asking President Bush to posthumously award the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery, and I ask my 
colleagues to join me.

                          ____________________