[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENACTMENT OF GI BILL

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, sixty-years ago today, 
President Franklin 
Roosevelt signed into law the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, 
known thereafter as the GI Bill.
  This piece of legislation promised those who served their country an 
education, aid in finding employment, help toward home ownership, and 
proper healthcare. What President 
Roosevelt accomplished in his four terms in office was extraordinary; 
the effects of which are still felt today. High among this list of 
accomplishments is the signing into law of the GI Bill, with which 
President Roosevelt rewarded this country's heroes by educating, aiding 
and caring for them.
  In the six decades since the GI Bill's inception, large numbers of 
troops have been sent to the beaches of Normandy, the Sea of Japan, 
Korea, Vietnam, the deserts of the Gulf and the Indian peninsula. What 
remains is sixty-years of sacrifice and battle scars, each a distinct 
imprint of the high cost of democracy and independence.
  To repay their efforts, we have granted stipends for their college 
education and doctors for their wounds, offered them aid in housing and 
provided training for jobs. We have dedicated millions of dollars 
toward programs geared to enhance their lives through knowledge, 
healthcare and job growth. Still, the trade-off will forever remain 
wanting.
  Countless young men and women enter into the armed services every 
year. My state of New York is home to over 1.2 million veterans, with 
another 26,000 servicemen and women on Reserve and Active duty and over 
4,000 enlisted with the National Guard. It is for these honorable 
adults and those across the nation that we pledge to fund and aid the 
programs created sixty years ago. These national heroes have defended 
the freedoms enjoyed by every American citizen from the time of the 
Revolutionary War. There are millions of men and women who rely upon 
this, risk life and limb, and make the commitment to our country and 
fellow citizens.
  It is distressing that this occasion be marked with such unfortunate 
and ironic efforts to lessen the GI Bill. This as a day meant for 
respectful remembrance, to all that has been and will be accomplished 
by those who served in combat. I see a tremendous amount to be proud of 
in this bill, what it stands for and what it means for all Americans. 
Sixty years ago, this country invested a great deal into this bill. I 
believe what we received in return can be measured in far more than 
dollar signs.
  Despite our best intentions, we as Americans find ourselves asking 
for the same sacrifice from our young men and women as our relatives 
did six decades prior. 1944 was a year worn by war. Sadly, 2004 will be 
as well. The service men and women earned the title ``greatest 
generation'', from the sacrifice of World War II. The contributions of 
today's men and women will one day merit such praise as well; praise 
that can now be enhanced and aided by the continued emphasis in favor 
of the same GI Bill that aided to the success of the generations since 
1944.

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