[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE SACRIFICES AND CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY DISABLED AMERICAN 
                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2008

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am submitting this statement to record my 
strong and enthusiastic support of the House Resolution honoring the 
sacrifices and contributions made by disabled American veterans.
  Today I wish to recognize these men and women for their patriotic 
contribution in our armed services; who have given so much to defend 
our Nation.
  The brave men and women who defend this country under threat of that 
ultimate sacrifice truly are our guardian angels. They fight with 
passion and dedication for an ideal that we all cherish, the notion 
that this is the land of opportunity, the land of the free. 
Unfortunately, that freedom comes at a price and too often our guardian 
angels come home wounded and disabled. They defend us and are willing 
to throw themselves in harms way before us, and we must not forget 
that.
  These wounded warriors are an inspiration to all of us, and we owe 
them so very much. It is our duty to them that we always remember what 
they have fought and sacrificed for. We must always remember the sacred 
agreement we made with these servicemen, if they go off and fight for 
us we will forever be in their debt and we must provide for them and 
their loved ones.
  My praise and thanks fall well short of equaling the gift of freedom 
our veterans bestowed on all of us. They bare the scars that remind us 
all how costly freedom can be, and all I have to offer in return is my 
eternal gratitude.

                          ____________________