[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE HEARTLAND HONOR FLIGHT

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, today I honor veterans 
from my home State who are taking part in the first Nebraska Heartland 
Honor Flight to visit the National World War II Memorial.
  The National World War II Memorial is a fitting tribute to those 
remarkable Americans who served in the deadliest conflict in human 
history. From the beaches of Normandy to the shores of Iwo Jima, these 
veterans served with courage, honor, and selflessness. In addition to 
their service, these same veterans returned home to reinvigorate the 
United States, producing what is still the largest and most vibrant 
economy in the world.
  Soon after President Clinton authorized the American Battle Monuments 
Commission to establish a World War II memorial, a comprehensive 
national fundraising campaign began under the leadership of former 
Senator Bob Dole, the national chairman and a World War II veteran from 
Kansas. During this time, as Governor of the State of Nebraska, I 
realized it was imperative to secure funding as soon as possible so 
that a memorial could be built in time for our veterans to view it. 
Therefore, on June 1, 1998, I presented a check to Senator Bob Dole in 
the amount of $52,900 for every Nebraskan who served in World War II. 
Subsequently, every State that donated money followed our guideline.
  There are now close to 14,000 World War II veterans living in the 
State of Nebraska. Unfortunately, nearly 2,100 of these brave 
servicemembers pass away each year. Many of these veterans have not 
been able to visit the memorial, which was dedicated by President 
George W. Bush on May 29, 2004, as they confront increasing 
difficulties with traveling due to their age. However, the Honor Flight 
Program has proven to be a reliable and capable partner in helping 
alleviate any obstacles veterans may face in traveling to Washington, 
DC. The Honor Flight Program, started in 2005 by retired Air Force 
captain and physician's assistant Earl Morse, now has 69 ``hubs'' in 30 
States and has established a goal of transporting 12,000 World War II 
veterans to view the memorial in 2008.
  Today, I am proud to say that the Heartland Honor Flight, Nebraska's 
own program, will conduct its inaugural flight, transporting more than 
100 Nebraska World War II veterans to our Nation's Capital to visit the 
National World War II Memorial. I am greatly appreciative to the 
businesses and individuals who have contributed to this cause and am 
especially grateful to Dan and Cara Whitney, who provided nearly all 
the funding required for the cost of this initial flight.
  This will be an emotional and reflective occasion for these veterans 
who look upon their service with deserved pride and remember those who 
died making the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the name of 
freedom. This memorial was long overdue for those who served our Nation 
in World War II, and I am confident it will become an enduring symbol 
in remembering the determination and sacrifice of our country's 
``greatest generation.''

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