Congressional Record, Volume 153 Issue 138 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)

[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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