[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON FOR SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT FOR 
                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand with our State 
delegation to recognize an important new program begun in Washington to 
support our soldiers and veterans.
  We must never forget that we enjoy our freedom today because of the 
courage, commitment, and sacrifice of generations of men and women in 
uniform. From the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, our 
troops have willingly and repeatedly stood in harm's way to preserve 
the values and liberties we cherish.
  I know my colleagues who stand here with me today share my commitment 
to keeping our promises to America's veterans. But we must also keep 
our promise to veterans in our communities, and the Veterans Family 
Fund Certificate of Deposit is a perfect example of just such an 
effort. It is a straightforward way of raising additional funds to meet 
the needs of Washington veterans and their families, and to assist our 
returning troops in making a seamless transition home.
  This program represents some of the very best that can come from 
public-private partnerships. I commend the many participating banks and 
credit unions for joining with the State VA to make this initiative 
possible, and I hope that other States will soon follow Washington's 
lead.
  No matter how big or small the effort, we must continue to pursue 
every available means of supporting our troops. We are the United 
States of America today, and we are free, because of the sacrifices of 
these men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line--for us, 
for their country.

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