[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 90 (Monday, July 8, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6351-S6353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FOURTH OF JULY DEDICATION OF THE LOVELL VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, all of us are just returning from the Fourth
of July recess. It is a grand time, I am sure, across the United
States. It was particularly a grand time in Wyoming. I get to go to a
lot of parades and fairs and rodeos. It is really our only time
outdoors to get a little bit of suntan that, unfortunately, goes from
the wrist to the tip of the fingers, and the neck up. But it is a grand
time. I want to share with my colleagues one of the adventures of this
Fourth of July recess.
I got to be in a place called Lovell, WY. It is in the northern part
of Wyoming. They had a dedication of a veterans memorial center that
features a huge mural that includes pictures from all of the wars in
which we have participated. The mural goes down into a rocky beach that
contains rocks from different wars that we have been in as well. They
had a dedication of this veterans memorial center.
The dedication was also attended by Commander Lovell, whose town is
now his namesake. That is the Lovell of Apollo 13 fame and ingenuity.
Of course, it reminded me of that time in 1957 when the United States
realized that we were behind in all of the scientific races. It
challenged many of us to improve education in the United States. I
think that continues today. The United States met that challenge. I
remember when Sputnik went up I was appalled and I immediately became
one of those rocket boys, one who was anxious to learn as much about
science and space as possible.
I am pleased to say the Explorer Post that I was in launched a rocket
with electronic ignition the second time we did it. We also learned on
the first one that you have to clear that with the FAA so you don't
shoot down airplanes. There have been a lot changes in that.
I got to go to this parade and dedication of the mural. It was very
patriotic. At the beginning, as they unfurled this new flag on a huge
new pole, we did say the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a reaction to
the previous Wednesday's Ninth Circuit announcement because when the
words, ``under God'' were said, they were louder than the whole rest of
the pledge, just as an affirmation that the people of Wyoming were
upset with the decision that had
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been made. But it was that kind of event that makes your heart swell
and brings tears to your eyes.
There was a song about heroes sung by elementary students. It
reminded me that community, and communities across this country, are
made up of heroes. Heroes are just ordinary people who do extraordinary
things. Fortunately, in America we have a lot of those.
We are in a rapidly changing world. In April, I had an opportunity to
go over to Russia with three interpreters. We worked on an
international agreement of cooperation on controlling weapons of mass
destruction, on export controls. That meeting was a tremendous shock
for me. All the time I was growing up, Russia was our enemy--the Soviet
Union where the people were out to get us. I was sitting across the
table from their equivalent of the Senate and House talking about
cooperation.
I also had an opportunity to meet with some small businessmen while I
was over there. I think it was an even bigger shock for them to be
talking to a capitalist about free enterprise. I think we will learn a
lot from each other as the world changes.
I have to tell you that the people in Russia today have a tremendous
amount of respect for us. Part of it comes from the action the United
States took in Afghanistan. We did in 1 month what Russia wasn't able
to do in 7 years. That did get us some respect.
The rest of the world anticipates that the reason we are able to do
things such as that is the tremendous technology we have, the
inventions and weapons we have developed. Some people think it is
because of this capitalism, of businesses--and businesses deserve
tremendous applause for the role they have played.
Since there was a parade that day and a lot of Tootsie Rolls were
thrown out to the kids along the streets, it reminded me that Tootsie
Rolls had been a part of every war since World War II. That company has
donated Tootsie Rolls. It is one of those chocolates that don't melt in
the heat. For Afghanistan, they donated eight semis loaded with Tootsie
Rolls. But I also heard about a little event that happened in Korea.
They used to be able to call in the plane, and the plane would dump
Tootsie Rolls on little parachutes. But one day, they got a little
confused on the code word, and when a bombing run was called in on
North Korea, they used Tootsie Rolls for the code word for it, and the
North Koreans had Tootsie Rolls dropped on them.
We have businesses that participate in all kinds of ways in making
sure our country is a better country. But what they usually miss in all
of the discussions about why America is great doesn't have to do with
technology. It doesn't have to do with capitalism. It has to do with
the people. As a people, we have developed over the years of our
existence the promotion to the rest of the world of the kind of
government that works, and that has worked better and longer than any
other government. But it isn't the Government either. It is the people.
We have people who have values, enthusiasm, ideas, and community.
That came out on September 11. On September 11, there were a lot of
people around the world who were pretty sure there was a major tragedy
which hit this country and that we would fall apart. Instead, what they
saw was America coming together. We came together with a sense of
community which they didn't expect, with patriotism that has been
unequalled, I think, in our history, with voluntarism, and, most of
all, faith. Those are the things that make us different from the other
countries. Those are the things that have made us great.
It is exciting to have an opportunity to participate in ceremonies,
such as the Lovell Veterans Memorial Center dedication.
I ask unanimous consent that the speech of MG Ed Boenisch, Adjutant
General of the Wyoming Military Department, given at that dedication be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Dedication--Lovell Veterans Memorial Center, June 29, 2002
Speech by Maj Gen Ed Boenisch, Adjutant General, Wyoming Military
Department
I'm honored to be here sharing the podium with an
astronaut. I'm proud to be here with proud civic leaders,
citizens and veterans who make dreams a reality.
Today renews my hope and faith in the spirit of America and
in our great flag and the freedoms it represents. This
spectacular memorial is a fitting honor to the men and women
who sacrificed so we can be here today, free and safe.
Today is 29 June 2002. It's been 291 days since terrorists
attacked our country. Remember all the innocent civilians who
were killed that terrible day. It's been 265 days since we
began our Global War on Terrorism. Remember the 51 U.S.
military men and women who have died in that war. Remember
all those who are deployed today, fighting our War on
Terrorism so our country and our world can be safe for our
children and our grandchildren.
I am so encouraged when I see the spirit of Americans
manifested in displays of patriotism, respect and
remembrance, especially with a beautiful and permanent
display such as this Lovell Veterans Memorial Center.
Thank you for having such a grand and beautiful dream!
Thank you for your financial contributions and hard work to
make this a reality. Thank you for remembering!
May God bless you!
May God bless America!
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the speech
which Commander Lovell gave at that ceremony be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Dedication of Veterans Memorial Center, July 29, 2002, Lovell, Wyoming
Ladies and Gentlemen: My son Jay and I want to thank the
people of Lovell for the wonderful hospitality we received
during our visit--and it is an honor for me to say a few
words in the dedication of Veterans Memorial Center honoring
the men and women who served in our Armed Forces.
In 1944, Journalist Ernie Pyle wrote these words to
describe the beginning of the Normandy invasion.
``Darkness enveloped the whole American armada. Not a
pinpoint of light showed from those hundreds of ships as they
surged on through the night toward their destiny, carrying
across the ageless and indifferent sea tens of thousands of
young men, fighting for . . . for, well, at least each other.
For Americans, these words paint a picture of the fear and
confusion surrounding soldiers on the eve of battle. Yet,
they also impart the sense of determination those young men
must have felt. Through his words, Ernie Pyle puts us in
touch with our understanding of who we are and how we came to
be a nation.
Even more, these words impel us to remember the cost of
bringing America this far and also forces us to admit the
price is not yet paid in full. This is what the dedication of
the Veteran's Memorial symbolizes--when the people of Lovell
can take a clear look at both your past and your future. And
acknowledge the debt we owe to those men and women who--
because they so cherished peace--chose to live as warriors.
Could anything be more contradictory than the lives of our
servicemen? They love America, so they spend long years in
foreign lands or at sea far from her shores. They revere
freedom, so they sacrifice their own that we may be free.
They defend our right to live as individuals, yet yield their
individuality in that cause. Perhaps most paradoxically of
all, they value life, and so bravely ready themselves to die
in the service of our country.
For more than 220 years our military has provided a bastion
against our enemies. In that time, our world has changed and
our armed forces have changed with it, but the valor,
dignity, and courage of the men and women in uniform remain
the same. From Valley Forge to Enduring Freedom, from San
Juan Hill to Pearl Harbor, the fighting spirit of the
American Serviceman permeates the history of our nation.
The founders of the United States understood that the
military would be the rampart from which America would guard
its freedom. George Washington once stated, ``By keeping up
in Peace a well regulated and disciplined militia, we shall
take the fairest and best method to preserve for a long time
to come the happiness, dignity and Independence of our
country.'' The prophecy of those words has been fulfilled
time and again.
The cost of that vision has been tremendous, for the
periods of peace our country has enjoyed are few. The longest
time of complete tranquility for our armed forces was the 23
years between World Wars One and Two. Since the Revolutionary
War, more than 42 million men and women have served in
America's military. More than 600,000 of those dauntless,
selfless warriors died in combat.
But why are we so seemingly willing to fight and, if need
be, to die? The answer to that question is as simple--and yet
as complex--as the soul of America itself. We fight because
we believe. Not that war is good, but that sometimes it is
necessary. Our soldiers fight and die not for the glory of
war, but for the prize of freedom. And, the heart of America
is freedom, for ourselves and all nations willing to fight
for it. Yes, the price is high, but freedom is a wealth no
debt can encumber.
But, what of the soldiers whose death has brought the
liberty of our nation? Soldiers
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who did not even enjoy the status of veteran? They were all
different; yet share a sameness that is deeper than the
uniform they wore. They were black, white, man, woman,
Hispanic, Indian, Asian, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant,
Buddhist, Muslim, and a hundred other variations and
combinations. What is most important--regardless of race,
creed, color, or gender--they were American.
These courageous men and women, each so different in
heritage and background, shared the common bonds of the armed
forces--duty and sacrifice. All of them reached a moment in
their lives when race and religion, creed and color made no
difference. What remained was the essence of America--the
fighting spirit of a proud people. They are servicemen who
paid the price for freedom.
As we dedicate this memorial to the brave veterans of the
past, we must also look to the future. In today's world, of
terrorism freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty. America still
relies on her sons and daughters to defend her liberty. The
cost of independence remains high, but we are willing to pay
it. We do not pay it gladly, but we pay it with deep
reverence and thanks to those who have sacrificed their lives
for America. We know that in the years to come, more brave
soles will sacrifice their lives for America. We should
include them in our thoughts when we view this symbol of
freedom.
Let me conclude my remarks by reading a few excerpts from a
letter that exemplifies why we honor our people in uniform.
It was written by Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the 2nd Rhode
Island volunteers, to his wife Sarah a week before the battle
of Bull Run.
Dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall
move in a few days--perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be
able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines
that may fall under your eye when I am no more. Our movements
may be of a few days' duration and full of pleasure--and it
may be one of some conflict and death to me. If it is
necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my
Country, I am ready.
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the
cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or
falter. I know how American Civilization now leans on the
triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to
those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of
the Revolution. And I am willing--perfectly willing--to lay
down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this
Government, and to pay that debt.
Sarah my love for you is deathless, and yet my love of
Country comes over me like a strong wind and burns me
unresistably on to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have enjoyed with
you come crowding over me, and I feel most gratified to God
and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And it is hard
for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future
years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved
together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood. If
I do not return my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love
you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field,
it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the
many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I
have often been.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and
flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near
you; in the brightest days and in the darkest nights, always,
and if a soft breeze falls upon your cheek, it shall be my
breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall
be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I
am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the First Battle of Bull
Run.
That is why I am proud to be in Lovell, today to participate in the
dedication of the Veteran's Memorial honoring the men and women who
served our country.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I know it was a great day across America
when we celebrated the Fourth of July. I look forward to the future
Fourth of July and the daily events when patriotism and community and
faith are shown in our country.
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