[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1877-E1878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING THE HONOR FLIGHT NETWORK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 1287--Commending the Honor Flight Network.
  The Honor Flight's mission is to provide an all expenses paid trip 
for WWII veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the memorial that has 
been dedicated to honor their service and their sacrifices for our 
country.
  Unfortunately, we are losing ``The Greatest Generation'' with every 
passing day, and many are not able to have the opportunity to

[[Page E1878]]

visit the World War II monument, which memorializes the sacrifice made 
by so many.
  Thankfully, Honor Flight organizations from all over the Nation have 
taken it upon themselves to make sure WWII veterans who otherwise would 
be unable to make the trip to D.C., have an opportunity to do so.
  This amazing group, made up entirely of unpaid volunteers, raises 
money and donates time to ensure these veterans of World War II see not 
only the WWII monument, but also the changing of the guard at Arlington 
National Cemetery--all at no cost to the veteran.
  These honor flights take veterans to Washington from April through 
November each year, and provide flights, deluxe tour bus service, t-
shirts, scooters, wheelchairs, oxygen and meals--at a cost of $20,000 
per flight. Many people say they are grateful for the sacrifices of our 
Nation's veterans, but this group puts it that idea into action.
  In my home state of Michigan, over 414 veterans were flown to 
Washington, DC by Honor Flight of Michigan last year, and so far this 
year 346 veterans have been afforded the opportunity to see Washington, 
DC.
  I can think of no group more worthy of recognition than the Honor 
Flight Network. These fine Americans do great work, and I personally 
want to thank them for honoring our Nation's veterans--they have 
fought, bled, and sacrificed on our behalf and we owe them a debt that 
can never be repaid.
  However, I'm grateful to see Americans working together in 
partnership with business and the donations of hard working men and 
women can be applied to honoring the ``Greatest Generation'' of 
Americans.

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