[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor our fallen 
veterans this Memorial Day on May 25, 2009. Our veterans, as well as 
our troops, risked their lives and their livelihoods for their country 
and for our freedom. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation.
  Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day. After the Civil 
War, Americans honored fallen soldiers in the Union and Confederacy by 
decorating the soldiers' graves. After World War I, Memorial Day became 
a day to honor all American soldiers who died in war. In 1971, Congress 
declared Memorial Day as a national holiday celebrated on the last 
Monday in May. Today, the national celebration of Memorial Day is held 
at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a ceremony of sincere solemnity, 
as well as one of great pride because it pays tribute to those who made 
the ultimate sacrifice while defending the American flag.
  While we pay tribute to our fallen heroes, it is important that we 
also recognize those veterans who fought valiantly and returned home to 
their loved ones. Our nation's heroes who fought so bravely to defend 
the American Dream also deserve the opportunity to achieve it. 
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), on any given 
night in this country, between 150,000 and 200,000 adult veterans live 
on the streets, in shelters or in community-based organizations. 
Unfortunately, approximately 150,000 homeless heroes do not have access 
to the vital permanent housing and supportive services they need each 
year.
  Last year, I introduced H.R. 3329: The Homes for Heroes Act to 
address this problem. My bill will provide shelter for homeless 
veterans and their families and help prevent low-income veteran 
families from falling into homelessness. On July 9, 2008, the Homes for 
Heroes Act passed the House by a vote of 412-9, but did not make it 
through both chambers. Fortunately, the author of the Senate companion 
bill, former Senator Barack Obama, is now the President of the United 
States. Therefore, I look forward to working with this Congress and our 
current President to pass this very important legislation in the 111th 
Congress. The Homes for Heroes Act will truly honor those who have 
sacrificed for our country by providing them with the assistance they 
deserve and have so deeply earned.
  I ask all of my colleagues and fellow Americans to pause and observe 
the great sacrifice that our fallen heroes and veterans made for our 
beloved country. Our military men and women were there to answer their 
nation's call to duty and now our government must prove that we will be 
there for them. In words, deeds and actions, our nation's heroes have 
earned it. This is the least a grateful nation can do.

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