[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 9, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           VETERANS DAY 2005

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today, we as Americans gather to honor 
all those who served, fought and sacrificed to defend our Nation 
throughout its history.
  During the 229 year history of our Nation, brave Americans have 
answered the call to defend their country's freedom and the freedom of 
people around the globe. Today, as in the past, our servicemen and 
women continue to embrace these twin goals.
  I encourage my fellow New Mexicans and all Americans to take a few 
moments to remember and honor the gallant men and women of our Armed 
Forces past and present.
  New Mexicans have a long distinguished history of military service. 
During the Spanish American War New Mexico guardsmen formed the bulk of 
the 2nd Squadron of the 1st Calvary Regiment which served with Teddy 
Roosevelt and his Rough Riders at the battle of San Juan Hill. When the 
United States entered the First World War, New Mexicans of the 1st 
Infantry Regiment served with the 40th Infantry Division in France. 
While participating in the Italian campaign of the Second World War, 
New Mexicans of the 104th Tank Destroyer battalion were awarded 8 
Silver Stars, 60 Bronze Stars, and 135 Purple Hearts. Of course no one 
will forget the contribution to final victory the Navajos from our 
State made as ``code talkers'' or the bravery of the ``New Mexico 
Brigade'' in the Philippines. In the history of our Nation New Mexicans 
have served with great distinction from the swamps of Cuba, to the 
jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq.
  It is important that we never forget the sacrifice and dedication of 
these Americans. They left behind the comfort of home, family and 
friends to defend our country and its countless blessings. For this, 
many have paid an immense price, emotionally and physically, some 
enduring years of captivity and suffering, some never to return home. 
We Americans owe all that we have to these men and women. No praise or 
honor will ever be too great for these individuals.
  The service of veterans to our country has never ended with their 
departure from the Armed Forces. They have enriched every community in 
which they reside with their strength of character, hard work and 
devotion to family. For this we must also be grateful.
  Since 9/11, the men and women of our Armed Forces have been called 
away from home, and are today furthering the cause of freedom in Iraq, 
Afghanistan and all over the globe. Many of these individuals are 
National Guardsmen like the members of the 515th Corps Support 
Battalion that recently returned from Iraq and the servicemen and women 
from Holloman, Kirtland, and Cannon Air Force bases. They serve with 
the same courage and commitment shown by Americans of generations past 
and they, too, deserve our thoughts and prayers. May our United States 
continue to be blessed and may America forever remain the land of the 
free and the home of the brave.

                          ____________________