[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF GRAND RAPIDS HOME FOR VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, every year on Memorial Day, we recognize 
those who fought for our nation and gave their lives in the name of 
democracy and freedom. It is a time for us to remember the patriotism 
they showed as they went into battle, the courage with which they 
fought, and the ultimate sacrifice they made for our country.
  My home State of Michigan has lost many good men and women to war. We 
lost 18,906 people in World War I, World War II, the Korean war, and 
the Gulf war. We lost over 2,600 men and women in Vietnam--more people 
per capita than any other State in the nation. We understand the honor 
in answering a nation's call to serve, and we know what it means to 
lose parents, brothers, sisters, and children to battle. As a Vietnam-
era veteran, and the son of a WWII veteran, I know in my heart the 
value of this service.
  Our lost soldiers have earned parades, memorial services, and events 
in their honor. But they have also earned a commitment from their 
nation that we will never forget their service and will treat all who 
fight for our country with dignity and respect. We should remember our 
lost soldiers not just in words, but deeds. We should honor their 
sacrifices by providing good health care, benefits, and compensation to 
our veterans who fought alongside them and the current members of our 
Armed Forces. We should honor them by fulfilling all the promises that 
we made to them and their families when they answered the call of duty.
  As we observe Memorial Day, let us not be content with honoring our 
soldiers just this one day each year. Let us remember in our hearts the 
ultimate gift these men and women gave to us. And let us keep in our 
prayers those men and women who are serving our nation overseas today. 
In their courage and strength, they set an example for all of us and 
remind us of what it means to be an American.

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