[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE 
                              PURPLE HEART

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of House 
Concurrent Resolution 49, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of 
the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and honors those members of our 
Armed Forces who have received Purple Hearts for their dedicated 
service.
  The Military Order of the Purple Heart was founded in 1932 and is 
composed solely of veterans who have received Purple Hearts, making it 
the only veteran organization that is composed of only combat veterans. 
The organization promotes education, fraternity, service, and 
patriotism, and they provide service for veterans and their families 
who are in need. In addition, they work to support relevant legislative 
initiatives.
  As an organization committed to the care and support of combat 
veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart deserves the 
recognition of this Congress for 75 years of hard work serving our 
Nation's brave veterans of the Armed Forces.
  I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel to the members of our 
Armed Forces, both past and present, for the gift of freedom that they 
have given to every American. They have given freely of themselves to 
defend this great Nation deserve our everlasting gratitude and respect.
  We have the privilege and responsibility of both taking care of and 
honoring the sacrificial service of our combat veterans. I urge my 
colleagues to vote for the adoption of this resolution.

                          ____________________