[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the 
courageous men and women who served our country in the Korean War. On 
this 50th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War, it is my pleasure 
to honor and bear witness to those who fearlessly fought for our 
nation.
  On July 27, 2003 the nation will solemnly reflect upon the dedicated, 
selfless, patriotic service of those great Americans who, at times of 
great peril, risked their lives, so that this great nation shall not 
perish from the earth. Through their service, they kept America strong 
and protected our way of life. Today, it is with great pride and 
patriotism that we remember these American heroes for their gallantry 
and bravery, for their roles in our community and their service to an 
eternally grateful nation.
  Abraham Lincoln stated it plainly when he notably remarked that 
soldiers purchase liberty with ``the price of their blood.'' We, the 
American people, are all the heirs of freedom paid for with the blood 
of patriots. This great nation will not forget the service of our 
soldiers, of our disabled veterans, of our POWs, and, most certainly, 
we do not forget our MIAs and families they represent. The men and 
women of our Armed Forces answered the call to service with courage, 
conviction and bravery.
  We should never forget our obligation to these heroic men and women 
who courageously served the freedom loving people of the United States 
and throughout the world. Sometimes forgotten and often ignored, these 
patriots have been unable to get much needed care from the government 
that they inexhaustibly served. While it is imperative that we remember 
the service of our nation's veterans, it is equally incumbent upon 
decision-makers to ensure that our government meets its commitment to 
all of our veterans. I pledge today that I will continue to fight, as I 
have during my entire career, to ensure that these veterans get the 
care they were promised and to which they are entitled. We will make 
certain that the flame of memory never dies.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise to join me in extending 
the appreciation of the U.S. House of Representatives to the remarkable 
men and women who valiantly served in the Korean War for their brave 
and outstanding service to the United States of America. There is no 
more noble a cause for an American than to actively participate in the 
defense of our nation and its values. May God bless the defenders of 
our freedom both living and fallen.

                          ____________________