[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, citizens across central New Jersey and the 
Nation will pause on National POW/MIA Recognition Day to reflect on the 
heroism of the thousands of Americans who endured the hardship of enemy 
confinement, and those who are missing and whose fate remains unknown. 
I'm proud to join them in observing this important and solemn occasion 
and to say thanks to those who have made this sacrifice.
  Especially now, at this difficult time in our nation's history, we 
must remember, that for some brave families, especially the families of 
our missing, the war is never over. Many of us have read recently about 
the questions of the fate of one of our service people from the Gulf 
War, Navy Pilot Scott Speicher. For his family and others this day is 
especially important. While our government is still making every effort 
to account for our soldiers, there are still 88,000 of our fellow 
citizens are missing in action from World War II, the Korean War, the 
Cold War and the Vietnam War. As a nation, we must do all that we can 
to continue to honor them and to account for them.
  In central New Jersey, and the country, offices, schools and 
businesses will fly the POW/MIA flag. It will fly at national and 
military cemeteries and here, in the Capitol Rotunda, the most honored 
place in this historic seat of our government.
  This nation has not forgotten its obligation to former POWs and those 
who are still missing in action. As people gather today for patriotic 
ceremonies and speeches to commemorate our POW/MIA's, America's 
commitment to them remains strong.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in marking National POW/MIA 
recognition day.

                          ____________________