[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6074-S6076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MEMORIAL DAY
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, May 31 is Memorial Day, the day we set aside
each year to remember and to honor those men and women who gave their
lives in service to our Nation.
Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day in the old South--the
day that we reminisce in our memories of our past, our locking with
hands or words our lives with others, our children, grandchildren, and
people whose voice is forever stilled.
This year, this day has even more meaning as we once again find our
men and women in uniform engaged in hostilities in Afghanistan and
Iraq.
Freedom does not come cheap. It is too often paid for not only in
dollars but in the lives of America's best sons and daughters.
All across the Nation out there, all across the prairies, the plains,
the green valleys, the mountains, the rivers, the rust belt, the East,
the North, the South, and the West--all across the Nation, families
will be visiting the gravesites of their loved ones.
Long, long be our hearts of such memories filled like the vase in
which roses have once been distilled. You may break, you may shatter,
the vase if you will, but the scent of the roses will hang round it
still.
Among rows of tombstones adorned with small American flags, they will
lay wreathes and pay their respects to those who have served our
country with honor and distinction in our Nation's wars.
This national tribute will provide the opportunity for mothers and
fathers not only to tell their children about the sacrifices of their
ancestors and relatives but also to pass on valuable lessons about
history and about humanity. But even when our world is beset with the
worst of human nature, the best of human nature can rise above it all.
I am reminded today of the story of the ``Immortal Chaplains'' of
World War II, Rev. George I. Fox, Rev. Clark V. Poling, Father John P.
Washington, and Rabbi Alexander D. Goode. When the U.S troopship
Dorchester was torpedoed by a Nazi submarine, with only minutes to
live, these four chaplains calmly handed out what lifejackets there
were on the ship to the panicking passengers, the soldiers and sailors.
When they ran out of life preservers to hand out, what did these four
chaplains do?
Can you see it? Can you envision a moment like that?
They took off their own life preservers and gave them away. They gave
them to others so others might live.
Then, as the Dorchester was sinking, what did they do? They locked
arms and prayed, and sank to their watery graves. They prayed, locked
arms, and went to their watery graves.
While some among us might not hesitate to take off that life
preserver and give it to our spouse, certainly, our child, or a parent,
how many of us would give it to a stranger, as did the immortal
chaplains. Self-sacrifice, unity, and respect for each other and each
other's faith were the qualities they displayed that night, and in so
doing these four chaplains of four different faiths demonstrated their
deep faith in God and they honored the mission of our great Nation.
These four chaplains, as I say, were of different faiths. Two were
Protestant ministers, was one a Jewish rabbi, and the fourth was a
Roman Catholic priest. But they were united as one in their devotion to
their Maker, their love for their fellow man, and their willingness to
sacrifice so that others might live. It was these convictions that
inspired one of the most memorable events not just of World War II but
of all time.
Memorials in their honor have been built in the country. The U.S. War
Department posthumously awarded them the Distinguished Service Crosses.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a special stamp to commemorate their
sacrifice. Congress has honored them by authorizing the Four Chaplains
Medal and with a resolution designating a Four Chaplains Day.
Think about it. Amidst all the great and important military leaders
such as Generals Patton, MacArthur, and Eisenhower, amidst all the
great and powerful political leaders of that war such as Franklin
Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, we also remember these four humble men
of God.
Yes, think about it. Amidst all of the destruction and all of the
carnage of that war, destruction, and carnage in the form of an
Auschwitz, Pearl Harbor, Dresden, and Hiroshima, we remember the
immortal chaplains for their act of kindness and mercy.
Yes, think about it. Amidst all the misery and tragedy of that war,
amidst all the hate and all the horror of that war, we still remember
the four chaplains and their act of heroism and love.
Today, a half century later, we again find ourselves in a terrified
world, a world that we did not seek, a terrifying world, a world that
we did not want but one in which we must endure if we are to prevail.
War, disease, crime, and terrorism have transformed our land into a
code red world.
Every generation has its turmoil. That is, sadly, the way of the
world. And this particular terrifying era of adversity and challenge in
which we now find ourselves, we would do well to bear in mind those
immortal chaplains, the four who refused to succumb to fear and
performed selfless acts of kindness and mercy.
They truly, truly personified the greatest of men in all generations.
The sacrifice of those four men endures as an inspiring act of
humanity. For as Jesus said: Greater love hath no man than this, that a
man lay down his life for another.
So on this Memorial Day, we will pray as we remember those American
service men and women who now stand in harm's way yonder on the other
side, yonder in a faraway land. We will pray for those who are serving
our Nation in the dangerous climates of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are
doing their duty for the families they love, and we will pray for their
families and for the families who have already lost loved ones, who
daily see that empty chair at the table, the chair which never again
will be filled, that place at the table which will forever be empty.
And as we pray, we will recall the words of the Scriptures from Psalm
127: ``Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build
it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.''
So I close with lines written by Joyce Kilmer.
``Dulce et Decorum Est''
The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.
The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace . . . Who brought a sword.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, Memorial Day is always a time for our
country to gratefully remember the brave men and women and their
families who risked their lives in defense of our country and our
fundamental American values.
This year is a special time because we will dedicate a long awaited
national memorial for the 16 million men and women who fought in World
War II, including the 400,000 Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice
for their country during the war. Almost 234,000 West Virginians served
in World War II. At that time, it was 36 percent of the Mountain
State's male population,
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and that was the fourth highest participation rate in the country. They
deserve this national tribute. Indeed it is long past due.
There are 4 million living World War II veterans who should be proud
and honored this Memorial Day. The families of veterans who are no
longer with us should take pride to remember the sacrifice of their
loved ones, and share those stories with relatives and friends. Such
memories are important to pass down to the next generation who can take
inspiration from the ordeals and triumphs of their own family members
who were part of our ``Greatest Generation.''
The World War II Memorial which will be formally dedicated on May
29th is the end result of an almost 20-year fight. I am honored that I
was able to cast a vote to help complete it. It will be an enduring,
poignant reminder of the tens of thousands of individual and collective
instances of leadership and sacrifice during World War II
Today that tradition of leadership and sacrifice continues as so many
Americans, including scores of West Virginians serve in the Armed
Forces, the National Guard and Army Reserves. Each member of the
military, wherever they are stationed are defending our country and
protecting American values, but we are especially mindful of our
military personnel serving in regions of conflict like Iraq and
Afghanistan. They are the new generation of West Virginia veterans who
deserve our admiration and respect.
As we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, I hope we all take some time to
remember what the holiday is truly about. This is a day designed to
honor all the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend
and protect the American way of life, from the beaches of Normandy to
the deserts of Iraq. Their sacrifice deserves our eternal gratitude and
support not just on Memorial Day, but every day.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate Memorial
Day and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have given their
lives in defense of the freedom and liberties we cherish in this great
Nation.
Throughout this country, Memorial Day, originally recognized as
Decoration Day, is a day to remember those who have died in service to
our Nation.
It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the
sacrifices of Civil War soldiers by proclamation of General John A.
Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former
sailors and soldiers. Over a century later, in 1971, Congress declared
Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in
May. Today, thousands of people attend Memorial Day ceremonies across
the country to commemorate this special day.
This year, our observance of this national holiday is marked by the
opening of the National World War II Memorial in our Nation's capital.
Authorized by President Clinton in 1993, this national memorial will be
the first of its kind dedicated to all who served during World War II.
It is during this Memorial Day weekend, in conjunction with the new
memorial dedication, that Americans will honor the nearly 16 million
who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during World War
II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the
war effort from home.
According to the Department of Defense, more citizens from California
served in World War II than any other State. And an estimated 457,000
World War II veterans currently live in California. That generation,
led by the Nation's Armed Forces, defended America's ideals during
World War II and changed the world in the process.
At this moment, another generation faces an equally difficult
challenge that will define the world for many years to come. Today, we
face a new foe, terrorism, which threatens the very freedoms that World
War II was fought to protect. The battleground this time is less clear.
Indeed, the threat of terrorism exists all over the world--not merely
in the Middle East, but also on our shores.
The war on terror is a massive effort that will require the highest
level of commitment and dedication possible to enable America and her
allies to prevail. Today over 1.6 million men and women serve in active
duty spread throughout 67 countries. California alone provides over
182,000 military and civilian personnel.
In Afghanistan, American troops, along with a multinational
coalition, have defeated the Taliban regime, striking a severe blow to
al-Qaida's operation in that country. Our forces have enabled Afghans
to draft a constitution, laying the groundwork for a democratic
government. Women will soon have the right to vote and hold office.
Girls are being educated in schools again. Nonetheless, there is still
much work to be done to secure the country and ensure the basic rights
of Afghan citizens.
The military success in Afghanistan has not come without sacrifice.
No example drives home this point more than the death of Army Ranger
Pat Tillman, killed in action a few weeks ago while on a mission in
southeastern Afghanistan.
Tillman, a native of San Jose, California, was an All-American
football player at Arizona State who later went on to play
professionally with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
At the height of his career, he walked away from pro football to
serve his country during wartime. On April 23, 2004, Tillman became one
of 110 U.S. soldiers killed during Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan. His life was a model of sacrifice.
The war in Iraq has proven to be an even more difficult task.
Although our Armed Forces have removed Saddam Hussein from power and
taken steps to set up a transitional democratic government run by the
people of Iraq, our troops are in a very dangerous situation. It is
rare that a day goes by without the report of another American who has
fallen victim to the attacks of Iraqi insurgents. As of May 21, 92
Californians have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
One of them was Marine Lance Corporal Brad Shuder, 21, of El Dorado
Hills, east of Sacramento. He enlisted a month after the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks and fought in the invasion of Iraq last year
before returning for a second tour.
Shuder, a South Korean native, was adopted at 22 months and grew up
to be a gourmet cook and opera lover. He was killed on April 12 of this
year.
I would also like to take a moment to name the other Californians who
have given their lives in Iraq.
Specialist Marcos O. Nolasco, Chino; Private 1st Class Michael A.
Mora, Arroyo Grande; Sergeant Brud J. Cronkrite, Spring Valley; Private
1st Class Brian K. Cutter, Riverside; Private 1st Class Lyndon A.
Marcus Jr., Long Beach; Sergeant Marvin R. Sprayberry III, Tehachapi;
Specialist Ramon C. Ojeda, Ramona; Specialist Trevor A. Wine, Orange;
Specialist James L. Beckstrand, Escondido; Sergeant Adam W. Estep,
Campbell; Staff Sergeant Abraham D. Penamedina, Los Angeles;
Private 1st Class Leroy Harris-Kelly, Azusa; Corporal Christopher A.
Gibson, Simi Valley;Captain Richard J. Gannon II, Escondido;Sergeant
Brian M. Wood, Torrance;Staff Sergeant Jimmy J. Arroyave,
Woodland;Staff Sergeant Victor A. Rosaleslomeli, Westminster;1st
Lieutenant Oscar Jimenez, San Diego;Private 1st Class George D. Torres,
Long Beach;Private 1st Class Eric A. Ayon, Arleta;Staff Sergeant
William M. Harrell, Placentia;1st Lieutenant Joshua M. Palmer,
Banning;Lance Corporal Kyle D. Crowley, San Ramon;Staff Sergeant Allan
K. Walker, Lancaster;Lance Corporal Marcus M. Cherry, Imperial;Lance
Corporal Travis J. Layfield, Fremont;Specialist Casey Sheehan,
Vacaville;Sergeant Michael W. Mitchell, Porterville;Lance Corporal
Wiscowiche, William J. Victorville;Lance Corporal Andrew S. Dang,
Foster City;Major Mark D. Taylor, Stockton;1st Lieutenant Michael W.
Vega, Lathrop;Private 1st Class Joel K. Brattain, Yorba Linda/Brea;
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Specialist Christopher K. Hill, Ventura;Specialist Eric U. Ramirez,
San Diego;Sergeant Patrick S. Tainsh, Oceanside;Master Sergeant Jude C.
Mariano, Vallejo;Sergeant Eliu A. Miersandoval, San Clemente;Specialist
Jason K. Chappell, Hemet;Sergeant Keicia M. Hines, Citrus
Heights;Specialist Michael A. Diraimondo, Simi Valley;Private 1st Class
Jesse D. Mizener, Auburn;Specialist Justin W. Pollard, Foothill
Ranch;Specialist Michael G. Mihalakis, San Jose;Staff Sergeant Richard
A. Burdick, National City;Staff Sergeant Steven H. Bridges,
Tracy;Specialist Arron R. Clark, Chico;Sergeant Ryan C. Young,
Corona;Staff Sergeant Stephen A. Bertolino, Orange;Chief Warrant
Officer (CW2) Christopher G. Nason, Los Angeles;Staff Sergeant Eddie E.
Menyweather, Los Angeles;Specialist Rel A. Ravago IV, Glendale;Sergeant
1st Class Kelly Bolor, Whittier;Specialist Genaro Acosta, Fair
Oaks;Staff Sergeant Paul A. Velasquez, San Diego;Private 1st Class
Karina S. Lau, Livingston;2nd Lieutenant Todd J. Bryant,
Riverside;Private 1st Class Steven Acosta, Calexico;Sergeant Michael S.
Hancock, Yreka;Specialist Jose L. Mora, Bell Gardens;Corporal Sean R.
Grilley, San Bernardino;Private 1st Class Jose Casanova, El
Monte;Private Sean A. Silva, Roseville;Private 1st Class Pablo Manzano,
Heber;Lieutenant Kylan A. Jones-Huffman, Aptos;Private 1st Class Daniel
R. Parker, Lake Elsinore;Staff Sergeant David S. Perry,
Bakersfield;Corporal Evan Asa Ashcraft, West Hills;Lance Corporal Cory
Ryan Geurin, Santee;Lance Corporal Jason Tetrault, Moreno
Valley;Specialist Paul T. Nakamura, Santa Fe Springs;Sergeant Atanasio
Haro Marin Jr., Baldwin Park;Lance Corporal Jason William Moore, San
Marcos;Captain Andrew David LaMont, Eureka;Corporal Douglas Jose
Marencoreyes, Chino;Private 1st Class Jose F. Gonzalez Rodriguez,
Norwalk;1st Lieutenant Osbaldo Orozco, Delano;Sergeant Troy David
Jenkins, Ridgecrest;Corporal Jesus A. Gonzalez, Indio;Sergeant 1st
Class John W. Marshall, Los Angeles;Private Devon D. Jones, San
Diego;Corporal Erik H. Silva, Chula Vista;Lance Corporal Patrick T.
O'Day, Sonoma;Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Menusa, San Jose;Private 1st
Class Francisco A. Martinez-Flores, Los Angeles;Lance Corporal Jesus A.
Suarez del Solar, Escondido;Sergeant Michael E. Bitz, Ventura;Corporal
Randal Kent Rosacker, San Diego;Corporal Jose A. Garibay,
Orange;Corporal Jose A. Gonzalez, Los Angeles;Lieutenant Thomas Mullen
Adams, La Mesa.
The Pentagon reports that through today, America has incurred 797
casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 120 deaths in Operation
Enduring Freedom. And more than 4,800 men and women have been wounded
in these conflicts.
Such grim statistics underscore the fact that the current
administration must do more to seek international help, especially in
Iraq, during these trying times. Additionally, we must provide the
equipment necessary to keep our soldiers safe. At the very least, we
owe our soldiers this for their tremendous sacrifice.
In closing, I am honored to take this time to join every American in
saluting those individuals who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to
uphold the ideals of our democratic Nation.
On Memorial Day, we renew the commitment of this great Nation to the
common defense of the country and to the broader causes of peace and
freedom from tyranny throughout the world.
____________________