[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10482-H10484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1530
  COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 326) commemorating the 25th anniversary of 
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 326

       Whereas the Vietnam Veterans Memorial marks the 25th 
     anniversary of its dedication in 2007;
       Whereas the Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of more 
     than 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the 
     Vietnam War;
       Whereas the Memorial honors the sacrifice of the 153,303 
     men and women who were wounded during the conflict;
       Whereas the Memorial honors the more than 3,000,000 men and 
     women who served in the United States Armed Forces in 
     Southeast Asia;
       Whereas the Memorial has served as a powerful force for 
     national healing;
       Whereas over four million people visit the Memorial each 
     year to pay tribute to lost loved ones and remember the 
     sacrifice of those who served the United States during the 
     Vietnam War; and
       Whereas the Memorial is a testament to the dedication of 
     the private individuals and corporations that raised 
     $8,400,000 to build the Memorial: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the sacrifice of the men and women who lost 
     their lives in service of the United States during the 
     Vietnam War;
       (2) recognizes the service of the men and women who were 
     members of the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam 
     War; and
       (3) commemorates the 25th anniversary of the dedication of 
     the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Holden). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 326 
commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
right here in America's capital city. I thank the gentlewoman from 
Oregon (Ms. Hooley) for bringing this measure before the House.
  In capturing the tremendous sacrifice of our servicemembers, this 
memorial has helped our Nation heal from the losses our communities 
suffered throughout the Vietnam war. Maya Lin, the wall's designer, 
created the monument in such a way as to ``convey the sense of 
overwhelming numbers while unifying those individuals into a whole.'' 
The Vietnam Memorial is a testament to the ultimate sacrifice those who 
serve in uniform have made in defense of our Nation.
  Over 4 million people visit the memorial each year. No one leaves 
unaffected by the experience. House Resolution 326 is our way, as 
Members of the United States Congress and citizens of this great 
Nation, of taking an important moment to pause in reflection and in 
gratitude for the freedoms we share today because of the contributions 
of our brave men and women in uniform in Vietnam.
  Let us also take this opportunity to recognize those who are serving 
us on the front lines of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan and other 
hotspots around the world. Their sacrifice and devotion to duty 
continue in today's warriors. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 326 
which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
  The idea of the memorial began in 1977 as a way to make amends for 
the indifference that had met Vietnam veterans who returned home to 
this country. It was also conceived as a place of honor for the brave 
young men and women who served and died in the Vietnam war including, 
Mr. Speaker, my Pony League baseball teammate, Dick Ulmer, and to give 
the estimated 43 million Americans, parents, brothers, sisters, wives, 
husbands and children, and yes, including those of 1st Lieutenant Ulmer 
of North Augusta, South Carolina, so directly affected by the losses in 
Vietnam a place to remember, to mourn, to reflect, and hopefully to 
heal.
  Five years later, in 1982, ground was broken for the memorial and the 
first panel of the Wall, as the memorial is called today, was unveiled. 
Since that time, the Wall has become not only the most visited memorial 
on the National Mall with more than 4 million visitors annually, but 
also a very powerful and a moving place for recollection, solace and 
comfort for Vietnam veterans and their families.
  As a place to honor the more than 58,200 servicemembers who died 
during the Vietnam war, and that number is just astounding as we think 
about the current situation in Iraq; and, of course, we mourn each and 
every one of those 3,600 lives that have been lost over a 4-year period 
of time. But Vietnam, 58,200 servicemembers died. The Wall has also 
become a national symbol of healing and coming together.
  In short, the Wall has achieved a purpose and effect well beyond the 
original purpose, and no one who goes there can escape the emotional, 
deep impact that it conveys.
  Mr. Speaker, it is entirely proper and fitting to commemorate the 
Wall's 25th anniversary. It honors the selfless sacrifice of not only 
those who died, but also the service of more than 3 million Americans 
who served in the Armed Forces in Southeast Asia. And beyond that, the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial has helped this Nation reunite after one of 
the most divisive times in this Nation's history. For these reasons and 
many more, I urge all Members to support this resolution. I look for a 
unanimous vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Oregon (Ms. Hooley).
  Ms. HOOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this 
time.
  I first want to thank Chairmen Skelton, Rahall and Filner for their 
strong support of this resolution and their continued leadership on 
issues impacting our veterans.
  I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me and the 108 cosponsors 
of House Resolution 326 in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 
dedication of the Vietnam Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, 
DC.
  This November marks the 25th year of the memorial's healing presence. 
As a Nation, we are eternally grateful to the 58,253 men and women who 
lost their lives because of their service to the United States during 
the Vietnam war. I particularly want to honor and remember the 709 
Oregonians whose names are etched on the Wall for their service to our 
country. Every time I visit the Wall, I am profoundly moved by their 
sacrifice. I know my fellow Oregonians and I will never forget them.
  As Americans, we must always remember those who have given the 
ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. At a time when we are 
asking so much of our men and women in uniform, I believe it is vital 
to show by example that the United States never forgets those who 
served. Providing a clear demonstration of that gratitude was at the 
core of constructing the memorial 25 years ago and is the purpose 
behind this resolution today.
  The memorial not only remembers those who gave their lives during the 
conflict, but also honors the more than 3 million men and women who 
served in the Armed Forces in Southeast Asia and the 153,303 
individuals wounded in action.

[[Page H10483]]

  The power of the memorial is just as strong today as it was 25 years 
ago. The millions raised by private individuals and corporations to 
erect the Vietnam Memorial demonstrated the widespread respect and 
appreciation for our Vietnam veterans 25 years ago.
  That powerful sense of gratitude has continued as an estimated 4.4 
million people visit the memorial each year to pay their respects to 
those who served and those who died during the Vietnam War. A grateful 
public has left more than 100,000 items of remembrances at the memorial 
for lost family, friends and comrades in arms. Pilgrimages to the 
Vietnam Memorial by new generations will also ensure that those who 
have no recollection of the strife from the Vietnam war era will still 
remember the service of the millions who fought for our country with 
honor and distinction.
  The elegant simplicity of the monument's black granite wall refuses 
to render judgment on a conflict that sharply divided our country.
  The memorial has played an important role of national reconciliation 
by helping to heal old wounds through enabling people of any opinion to 
express their gratitude for the men and women who paid the ultimate 
sacrifice for their country.
  I once again urge my colleagues to support this important remembrance 
of those who served, and especially those who gave their lives for our 
country during the Vietnam war.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I yield at this time such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Minnesota, Colonel John Kline.
  Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with my colleagues. Though the 
memorial stands primarily as a tribute to the 58,000 who were killed in 
Vietnam, the Wall, as it is more commonly known, continues to surpass 
its original purpose by acting as a quiet reminder of the price of our 
freedom and honoring the more than 153,000 men and women wounded in 
action. Perhaps most importantly, it serves as a source of healing for 
the 3 million men and women who served in the United States military 
during this war.
  The design was inspired by a need to bring reconciliation and healing 
to a country that was deeply divided. Its simplicity is transcended by 
a powerful message of remembrance. Each name is a person with a story. 
These soldiers served with honor and distinction, and the memorial 
helps us to remember them with the highest regard.
  As a Vietnam veteran myself, the memorial carries particular 
significance. I am reminded of the friends and comrades who gave their 
lives and of a far different time and place in my life.
  It is with these memories in mind that I express my sadness and 
disappointment at the reports of the recent desecration of the Wall. 
The people who did this have violated a sacred trust, and I consider 
their actions deplorable. If there are those who applaud this behavior, 
I would only remind them of the hypocrisy of their beliefs. Our freedom 
was won by brave men and women such as those honored on this Wall, and 
we should hold them all reverently in our hearts, as I know that we do 
when we visit that very powerful memorial. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, I hope 
these reports are not true or are exaggerated. I was appalled to hear 
them.
  I cannot help but draw parallels between the Vietnam war and the 
situation in Iraq. We have men and women today who are carrying the 
mantle for this generation. We must be mindful to accord them the 
respect that they deserve and honor their service.
  After 25 years, the memorial is unparalleled in terms of the sheer 
power of its presence. And there is irony because it was built into the 
ground. I remember the great debate that was taking place in this city 
and around the country when that memorial was put into place. There 
were those who thought it was a dishonor, frankly, to the men and women 
who served, to have this memorial be in the ground. But I know that 
every Vietnam veteran and their family and friends and Americans who 
have taken that walk down and stood at that powerful wall has 
reevaluated that opinion. Everyone who has been there has been moved, 
and for that I am very thankful.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).
  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me 
this time, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 326, commemorating 
the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
  It is important to recognize the contributions of our men and women 
in the armed services no matter when they served. In particular, we 
should pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during 
their service.
  Although the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated nearly 25 years 
ago, the families of the fallen and their fellow soldiers find the same 
peace and solace there today. The memorial is a somber reminder of the 
devastating human costs of the Vietnam war and the massive losses this 
country sustained.
  Mothers and fathers lost their children, and families throughout the 
country lost their loved ones. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a 
serene place that helps the country deal with one of the most difficult 
periods of our history, and it is important that we recognize such a 
lasting tribute.
  Today, when we remember the Vietnam war, we should not forget the 
soldiers who laid down their lives in defense of this great Nation. Nor 
should we forget those who returned home with posttraumatic stress 
disorder.
  As we reflect upon the commitment of our veterans from past 
conflicts, it is important to remember the 168,000 American soldiers 
currently serving overseas. We must do more for our Nation's veterans, 
those of past wars, current conflicts, and those who will defend our 
flag for generations to come.
  We should never forget the deep sacrifice of our men and women in 
uniform, and it is fitting that we pause today to commemorate one of 
the most important and emotional events in our history. I urge my 
colleagues to support the resolution.

                              {time}  1545

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell).
  (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for the opportunity 
to share this resolution that I am a co-sponsor of, and I think it is 
the right thing to do, to honor those who made the sacrifice that they 
did in the Vietnam War.
  Some of us in this body have served in that war. I would like to 
associate myself with those who have previously spoken. We are never 
wrong to take a moment and remind ourselves of those who gave the 
supreme sacrifice and laid their lives on the line, as so many did.
  So it is a reminder to us that freedom is not free. I just had the 
opportunity a couple of days ago in a large group down in Iowa to ask 
all the veterans to make themselves known and to ask all those in the 
audience if would you please turn and thank your veterans. Because of 
them, we can have that opportunity to gather together on that hillside 
and share the freedoms that we take for granted so often.
  So today on this 25th anniversary we are reminded particularly of the 
Vietnam veterans. Some of us 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 years ago went down and had 
kind of a picture-taking opportunity with Members in the Congress with 
Vietnam veterans at the Wall. And for all of us, we had to stop and 
realize our names could have been there, too.
  We recognized names of our colleagues and comrades that fell and paid 
the price because the country asked them to do that. That is happening 
this very day, of course, in other parts of the world.
  So I thank you, gentlelady, for the time. I appreciate you bringing 
this forward. I certainly urge its passage.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, in my concluding remarks I just want to say 
that as I listened to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), my 
colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, talking about the 
Vietnam War Memorial, the Wall, as he pointed out, I reflected back 
maybe almost 25 years ago when I went to the Wall for the first time.

[[Page H10484]]

  Mr. Speaker, I don't think I had ever been to any other war memorial. 
The World War II Memorial, as we know, was not there at the time. But I 
went to the Wall, the Vietnam War Memorial, to look for the name of a 
friend. It is kind of hard to find, as we all know, the small engraved 
names on the wall. Of course they direct you how to do that. I think a 
lot of us just go to the wall and start looking.
  As I think back on those years ago when I looked up to see my friend 
Dick Ulmer's name, and think about that classmate, teammate, friend, 
weight-lifting buddy when we were in the sixth, seventh, eighth grade, 
and thinking about the fact, Mr. Speaker, that he had given his life. I 
thought about his parents, who are now deceased, and of course his wife 
and his sister.
  This opportunity today to control the time on our side, and I thank 
Ms. Shea-Porter for that opportunity, to reflect back on a great hero. 
I think an important thing for us to remember today as we vote, and I 
think we will have a unanimous vote on this, is that no matter how 
popular a conflict, or maybe in the case of the Vietnam War, with many 
people unpopular, the men and women that paid the price, the ultimate 
sacrifice, and their families, it doesn't matter what the conflict, 
they do their duty.
  God bless them and God bless America.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, our nation prides itself on 
establishing monuments and memorials in remembrance of the past. We 
shape marble, bronze, granite and stone into physical commemorations, 
hoping that they will reflect particular ideals of justice, principles, 
and beliefs from our country's history and encourage those who visit to 
embody the same ideals. Twenty-five years ago, the Nation found itself 
dedicating a memorial to a war that was bitterly fought both at home 
and abroad and trying to find within that memorial the peace and solace 
that had been elusive for so long.
  The memorial design created by 21-year-old Yale University 
undergraduate Maya Lin, and managed by the National Park Service, 
wrought emotional reactions from the crowd when it was dedicated in 
November 1982. Thousands of veterans, regardless of their personal 
feelings on what the war had meant to them, found themselves moved by 
the Wall. Their faces reflected against the names of the dead etched 
into the black granite, visitors found that this memorial was not 
simply a standing block of stone, but instead was a moving tribute that 
refused to separate the past from the present, merging the two and 
forcing them to coalesce into a semblance of calm.
  Now 25 years later we continue to see the effect of the memorial. 
Families and friends leave at the base of the memorial personal 
belongings of those whose names lie above. Boisterous crowds traveling 
noisily from monument to monument fall silent when entering the cut of 
earth that starts the Wall, their eyes skipping from name to name, 
recognition on their face that each one represents an individual who 
gave their life for their country. And those who fought and returned 
home see the names of fellow soldiers, an attempt not to justify or 
explain those losses, but simply to honor and remember them.
  Early this month, the Wall was vandalized and the face of the granite 
desecrated. While long-term damage is not expected, this act of 
dishonor flies in the face of what the memorial represents. I hope that 
every single one of my colleagues will join me in denouncing those who 
committed this vandalism.
  With each new year the wounds of the Vietnam War further heal, the 
passage of time helping to wear away the dissonance and divide. The 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial plays a large role in this process, bringing 
us together not only to remember what occurred and what was lost, but 
also to ensure that we do not forget. It is fitting that we commemorate 
the anniversary of this memorial and again offer the grateful thanks of 
our Nation to those who served.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Resolution 326, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial. Comprised of the Wall of names, the three Servicemen 
Statue and Flagpole, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial, the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial honors the 58,000 members of the United States Armed 
Forces who lost their lives in service to the United States in the 
Vietnam War and recognizes all those individuals who served during that 
time.
  The Memorial is a national treasure. When seen from a distance, the 
smooth angular blackness of the Wall of names cuts into a gently rising 
knoll of green grass on the National Mall, symbolizing the collective 
sacrifice made by the tens of thousands of American youth who, in the 
prime of their lives, fought and perished in distant fields of battle 
in Southeast Asia to defend democratic government under siege. Standing 
at arm's length the sacrifice honored by the Wall comes into clearer 
focus. The white letters etched in black stone reveal the names of 
soldiers lost forever to their country, to their military service and, 
tragically, to their families and loved ones. Closer still, the image 
of our reflection seen in the Wall's mirror-like stone reminds us each 
name recorded there represents a person--an individual no different 
than us. The act of reading their names keeps alive our cherished 
memories of them. The act of the reading their names also helps keep 
them alive and well in our hearts.
  On the occasion of the anniversary of the opening of the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial we recall all of those individuals involved in its 
authorization, design, construction, and dedication. Most especially, 
we acknowledge the work of Maya Ying Lin, and we recognize the vision, 
sentiment, and artistry she has shared with the world through this 
project. We also recognize the work that is being undertaken today 
pursuant to an Act of the 108th Congress to construct the visitor 
center at the site, which will contribute to visitors' understanding 
and appreciation for the Memorial and what it signifies.
  Mr. Speaker, etched and engraved on that Memorial Wall are the names 
of 70 sons of Guam. Our community suffered the highest casualty rate 
per capita of any State or Territory in the Nation during the Vietnam 
Era. Today, we recall the members of our own community, in addition to 
their fellow soldiers, who were the uniform and served in the Vietnam 
era.
  To visit the Wall of names, the three Servicemen Statue and Flagpole, 
and the Vietnam Women's Memorial is to pay respect to those Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial honors and to renew our commitment that their 
mission, their sacrifice, and their lives will never be forgotten. This 
resolution commemorating the Memorial on its 25th anniversary also 
helps accomplish those goals.
  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the bipartisan 
Vietnam Memorial Resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 
construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, H. Res. 326. This 
memorial honors the more than 58,000 brave men and women who paid the 
ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam war for our great Nation. We must 
never forget the brave service members who served in Vietnam.
  Millions of people visit this breathtaking memorial to pay their 
respect to those people who lost their lives between 1956 and 1975 or 
are still missing in action. The memorial has been a source of comfort 
and healing for those families and friends who have lost loved ones in 
the Vietnam war.
  I also wish to express my support and gratitude for all the men and 
women who served with valor in our armed services protecting our 
freedom and democracy. I believe that the Vietnam memorial encourages 
all people of the United States, and the world, to remember the 
sacrifices of American veterans of this war, especially those who 
served in Vietnam. This memorial is a beautiful work of art and this 
resolution has my full support.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 326, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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