[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING A TRADITION THAT HONORS ALL DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, June 13th, 2003 marks the continuation of a 
long, established tradition by the Disabled American Veterans 
organization, with their 62nd annual State Convention at the Santa Ana 
Hotel and Casino on Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Its purpose is to 
bring together and recognize those who have fought courageously in our 
Armed Forces from our state and from our region; who have sacrificed 
much in the name of our great country to insure the security and 
freedom of all its citizens. When a citizen thinks of Old Glory, of 
stars and stripes, of red, white and blue, they ultimately remember our 
men and women in uniform, and the price they have paid to defend this 
nation against all threats, both foreign and domestic. Some have paid 
the ultimate price with their lives, while others have endured great 
physical and mental hardships, from the wounds they have suffered, and 
the memories they have lived with from knowing the consequences of war. 
Every veteran present at this convention is an example of this enduring 
and proud spirit. These veterans' sacrifices and the courage they have 
shown must never be forgotten.
  I am also honored to recognize the spouses and other family members 
of those veterans who have gone to war for the sake of the United 
States of America. It is never easy knowing that your family member is 
going to war; of not knowing of the conditions that he or she is 
fighting in, or the actions he or she must take to accomplish the 
mission, or to protect a fellow soldier. Separation from a loved one is 
always difficult, and trying. Life continues even during war, as 
children are born, as they continue to grow and mature, and holidays 
and other personal milestones pass during this time of separation. 
Separation also requires a great deal of endurance as well, with the 
hope that their family members will come home safely. It is this 
lasting sense of endurance, patriotism, and dedication to our nation 
that characterizes what it means to be an American.
  Mr. Speaker, please join with me to recognize these remarkable 
individuals who are in attendance at this convention, both physically 
and in spirit, and to remember all that they have fought for, and all 
the victories they have achieved during their careers in the Armed 
Forces.

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