[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE TREMENDOUS SERVICE THAT MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES HAVE 
                          GIVEN TO THE NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1020, 
a resolution recognizing the tremendous service that members of the 
Armed Forces, especially those who have been wounded in combat, have 
given.
  As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I want to thank the lead 
sponsor, Mr. Welch, for bringing this resolution to the floor and his 
leadership on this important issue. I also want to thank Mr. Walberg 
and Mr. Higgins for joining Mr. Welch and me in spearheading this 
effort to honor those who have given so much in service to our country.
  Only 1 percent of Americans serve in the military. Only 1 percent 
have answered the call to arms in defense of our Nation, our values, 
and our freedoms. To this 1 percent, we owe so much; so much that can 
never be fully repaid.
  Throughout our history, many Americans have given the ultimate 
sacrifice for this Nation, and many more have had their minds and 
bodies wounded for the same cause. In the current Global War on Terror, 
around 30,000 servicemembers have been wounded, including almost 400 
from Kansas. Their lives and those of their families have been 
dramatically impacted.
  I have had the honor to meet with many of these wounded warriors, 
both in Kansas and at Walter Reed. Though their lives have been forever 
changed, they continue their commitment to duty, country, and family. 
They are a great inspiration to me and those who are blessed to meet 
them.
  Every American has a responsibility to thank these brave Americans. 
We must vocally honor them. We must honor them by providing excellent 
medical care, access to quality jobs and education, support for their 
families, and the resources to live fulfilling and productive lives. 
But, we also need to remember to say ``thank you.'' ``Thank you'' for 
your service and your sacrifice. This resolution is just one more way 
the House of Representatives can say ``thank you'' to our Nation's 
veterans.
  In addition to this resolution, Misters Welch, Walberg, Higgins and I 
are helping organize an April 16th reception for Members of Congress 
and wounded warriors from Walter Reed. This reception will provide 
Members of Congress the honor to personally meet with these brave 
heroes. I encourage all my colleagues to attend. This reception will 
encourage you, humble you, and challenge you to push harder in support 
of our veterans.
  We can never fully honor or repay the sacrifice made by our Nation's 
veterans. Our veterans deserve so much, and, in comparison, we have so 
little to offer. But, I hope that this resolution and upcoming 
reception will take a step in the right direction. I ask that all my 
colleagues support this important resolution.

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