[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1557]]



              TRIBUTE TO COLONEL BOB MORGAN (USAF) RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2003

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an honorary New 
Yorker, Colonel Bob Morgan (USAF) Ret.
  Colonel Morgan was part of the heroic and courageous crew aboard the 
Memphis Belle during World War II. During that time the Memphis Belle 
flew 25 consecutive successful missions while helping the allies to 
defeat Nazi Germany.
  In a ceremony at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport in 
New York, Colonel Morgan honored many supporters by describing them as 
``Americans who have preserved and protected our nation's past so that 
we may better protect our future.'' It is thanks to the dedication and 
service of men and women such as Colonel Morgan that we have such a 
bright future to protect.
  I am honored to have gotten to spend time with Colonel Morgan and 
thank him again for his service, dedication and patriotism to the 
nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that his remarks at the July 3, 2003 
ceremony be inserted into the Record at this point.
       Congressman Steve Israel, Mr. Hugh Jones, Mr. Edward 
     Blumenfeld, Supervisor Bellone--distinguished guests and 
     fellow veterans--it is a tremendous honor to be here this 
     morning at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport.
       I have not been in New York since September 11th, 2001. But 
     truth be told, I don't find its spirit to be much different 
     than when I was here back in the late 1990's. You still have 
     the guts, the grit and the determination of what I remember. 
     You continue to be that tough competitor on the outside with 
     the heart of gold on the inside.
       That character was on display that morning of September 
     11th as men and women made life and death decisions with 
     courage and bravery that will be recorded in the annals of 
     American history for all time.
       Some 22 months ago many in this audience found themselves 
     on the front line of this nation's fight against tyranny and 
     terrorism. Civilians and uniformed services found themselves 
     together--under fire and confronting an enemy we had never 
     known before. And yet because we were attacked as Americans 
     we responded the same way--as Americans.
       I am proud that you think me worthy of being called an 
     honorary New Yorker. Congressman Israel, I will wear that 
     label proudly as it shows solidarity with each and every one 
     of you. It reminds all of us that the fight to preserve and 
     protect our country is never without sacrifice.
       Some sixty years ago I served with men who understood that 
     stark reality. To protect our freedom we need to put 
     ourselves in harms way. In a plane much like the B-17 Flying 
     Fortress sitting beside the museum, we set out 25 times to 
     defy the Nazi Luftwaffe. We knew that if we didn't put bombs 
     on target the people of Europe would remain slaves forever 
     and the people of America would always live in fear. We never 
     wanted to be heroes but we understood the stakes.
       Today is no different. The stakes are high. The risks are 
     great. But we are a nation that will do what it takes to 
     defend itself and preserve liberty. These aircraft at the 
     American Airpower Museum are part of that legacy. The 
     outstanding work that Congressman Israel does in Washington 
     is part of that legacy. And the support we get from people 
     like Hugh Jones of Republic Airport, Ed Blumenfeld of BDG, 
     Faith Weiner of Stop & Shop and Bill Mullaney of Hampton Inn 
     keep that heritage alive and well.
       Accordingly, I would like to make those individuals 
     honorary members of the Memphis Belle--Americans who have 
     preserved and protected our nation's past so that we may 
     better protect our future. Wear your new membership proudly--
     you are now part of our American heritage.
       Thank you all and God Bless America.

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