[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 11, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF THE VALOR, DEDICATION, AND PATRIOTISM OF CHALDEAN 
                           AMERICAN VETERANS

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, later this month, on June 14th, people in 
my home state of Michigan will be gathering at a special ceremony to 
honor men and women of the U.S. armed forces who have served to 
preserve our nation's freedom. This ceremony held by the Chaldean 
American Ladies of Charity will pay tribute to Chaldean American men 
and women who have served or are currently serving in our Nation's 
military.
  It is particularly poignant that people are gathering to honor 
Chaldean American veterans on the day set aside to honor our foremost 
symbol of freedom: the American flag. At a time when we are reminded of 
the priceless value of our many freedoms, it is important that we do 
not forget the heroes who fought so fearlessly and valiantly in past 
conflicts to protect our nation and our freedoms. Such brave men and 
women have preserved our liberty and democratic values and safeguarded 
our freedom to pursue the American dream.
  The Chaldeans are people who possess a long and fascinating history. 
They have traditionally spoken a form of Aramaic, the language in which 
the New Testament was written, and possess an interesting theological 
history that includes a reunion with the Roman Catholic Church in 1551 
A.D. This reunion led to the establishment of the Chaldean rite of the 
Catholic Church.
  Many Chaldeans immigrated to the United States from Iraq, and have 
played an important part in our nation's growth and success. Detroit is 
privileged to be home to the largest Chaldean community in the United 
States. In Detroit and throughout the nation, Chaldean Americans have 
dedicated themselves to the making a better life in America. Detroit, 
the State of Michigan and our nation have benefitted from their 
patriotism, hard work and dedication to community, faith and family. 
These many contributions have greatly benefitted our nation and have 
included the service of nearly two hundred Chaldean Americans in the 
United States Armed Forces.
  The entire Chaldean American community can take pride in their long 
and honorable tradition of service to our nation, particularly their 
service in our nation's armed forces. I am sure that my Senate 
colleagues join me and the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity in 
paying tribute to Chaldean American veterans.

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