[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS' MEMORIAL PRESERVATION AND RECOGNITION ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 330, the Veterans' 
Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003. This bill 
incorporates many provisions of the Veterans' Memorials Protection Act, 
which I first introduced in the 104th Congress, and have fought to pass 
ever since.
  Recently a memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers killed in 
World War I was desecrated in Rockland County, New York, an area which 
I am proud to represent. Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice have 
no ability to defend their honor against senseless desecration, so we 
must do it for them. That is why I am so pleased that this measure is 
before the House today for our consideration.
  Recognition of our veterans is an integral part of our national 
heritage. While veterans may not have created our democracy, they have 
continuously defended it and renewed America's promise through their 
efforts. While our memorials and monuments to veterans may not be as 
imposing as the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument, the 
dedication and protection we provide them should be no less zealous.
  We live in a greater and safer nation because of the dedication and 
bravery of our veterans. We are indebted to our veterans, because we 
know that freedom is not free, and it is our veterans who have paid a 
severe price for the freedom we enjoy. The memorials created in this 
honor deserve the greatest protection we can afford them.
  Protecting the memory of their sacrifice is one manner in which we 
can repay our veterans. It is both fitting and proper that we should 
pass this legislation before the Congress recesses for Memorial Day. As 
a new generation of veterans return from the Persian Gulf, I am hopeful 
that this is a first step in Congress toward fulfilling our promises 
and obligations to these heroes. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that 
these protections will soon be passed by the House, so that this 
grateful nation can further preserve the memory of those who preserved 
our nation.

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