[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 161 (Friday, October 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF HONOR FLIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Honor Flight for 
their ongoing work to honor America's veterans. Honor Flight provides 
World War II veterans the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, to 
visit and reflect at the World War II Memorial constructed in their 
honor. Funded by donations from businesses and individuals, the trip is 
absolutely free of charge and serves as an excellent tribute to 
veterans who sacrificed, some paying the ultimate price, in the name of 
freedom.
  Started in 2005 by Earl Morse, Honor Flight has grown from a small 
operation, flying a dozen veterans at a time in small private planes, 
to a network of affiliates that spans 30 States and transports hundreds 
of veterans to Washington on commercial airliners to see their 
memorial.
  On October 8, 2008, the local Honor Flight Affiliate in my hometown 
of La Crosse, Wisconsin, will be flying some 180 veterans, many of whom 
reside in my district, to Washington, DC, to visit the World War II 
memorial. I would like to personally thank Neil Duresky, Chuck Hanson, 
and Randy Eddy for all their hard work to make this dream a reality for 
Wisconsin veterans, who served their country so admirably and with such 
courage. Without Honor Flight, many veterans would never have the 
opportunity to travel to Washington to see the memorial that was 
constructed in their honor.
  Given the enormity of the sacrifice made by those who have served and 
continue to serve our country with the highest degree of honor and 
bravery, there is nothing we can do to fully repay them for their 
efforts. Thanks to Honor Flight, however, we can offer them the chance 
to visit the memorial dedicated to their service.
  It is my sincere hope that the actions of Honor Flight inspire others 
to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices made and effort expended by 
our men and women in uniform, who are the best in the world. I will 
continue to honor and pay tribute to those who serve our country for 
their sense of duty and extraordinary courage.

                          ____________________