[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 250 
outstanding Vermonters who served in the 10th Mountain Division during 
World War II. I want to commend the Vermont Ski Museum for recognizing 
the significant contributions of these exceptional men by inducting 
them into the Ski Hall of Fame.
  As a fellow veteran who grew up in the era of World War II, I 
remember President Roosevelt's call for volunteers. It came as no 
surprise that when the military asked for skiers, trappers, and 
woodsmen to serve in the 10th Division, many of those who responded to 
the call of duty were from our own Green Mountain State. For a young 
boy in Rutland, VT, these men were my heroes.
  The 10th Mountain Division distinguished itself in fighting on the 
island of Kiska in Alaska and in the mountains of Italy. Recently we 
have been reminded of the effectiveness of these soldiers on skis. At a 
time when modern weapons and sophisticated technology seemed to 
overshadow the 10th Division's skills, recent conflicts in Afghanistan 
and other parts of the world have shown us that much of war boils down 
to human fortitude and a single man against the elements. Modern 
warfare has not proven to be more effective than the 10th Mountain 
Division when it comes to fighting in these extreme elements over 
rugged terrain. We are coming back to basics, and hopefully military 
planners will never doubt the necessity of divisions with skills like 
the 10th as part of our national defense.
  After the war, many of the veterans of the 10th Mountain Division 
came home to leave their mark on the ski industry. Vermont was no 
exception, and the ski industry has flourished here due in part to the 
passion these individuals have for skiing. They are indeed members of 
the Greatest Generation and their selfless contributions are evident 
throughout our State.
  I applaud the Ski Museum for acknowledging your individual 
sacrifices, your defense of our country and your contributions to 
skiing. It is a privilege for me to join the many others in honoring 
each of you. You continue to be my heroes.

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