[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE YEAR OF THE 
                           KOREAN WAR VETERAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 212, to proclaim 2003 as the Year of the Korean War Veteran. As we 
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean Armistice, it is 
entirely appropriate to pay tribute to the nearly 1.7 million troops 
who fought on the Korean peninsula by designating this year in their 
honor.
  U.S. troops endured some of the most brutal conditions ever 
experienced in the history of American warfare. They fought in extreme 
heat as well as cold so severe that some troops literally froze to the 
floors of their foxholes. But sadly, their sacrifice and bravery are 
often overlooked. In response, this resolution ensures that the 
``Forgotten War'' is always remembered in American history, and that we 
will never forget the 37,000 troops who sacrificed their lives and the 
104,000 Americans injured in Korea.
  I am honored to represent 31,611 veterans who make their home in 
Illinois' Fifth Congressional District. One of them is a Korean War 
Veteran I am honored to call a good friend--Mr. Eugene Piltaver. For 
many years, Gene has devoted his time to ensuring that his fellow 
veterans are honored for their service to our country. A testament to 
his commitment is symbolized by the United States Military Armed Forces 
Veterans Memorial in his hometown in Franklin Park, Illinois. Gene not 
only conceived of the idea for the Memorial, but also rallied support 
and funding to build this impressive monument dedicated to the bravery 
and patriotism to Franklin Park's veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Eugene Piltaver and all of the veterans who 
have served and sacrificed for our nation, I am proud to support the 
Year of the Korean War Veteran.

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