[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE SECOND HONOR FLIGHT OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HARRY TEAGUE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. TEAGUE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of the 
World War II veterans from my district who are traveling to Washington, 
D.C. today on the Second Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico.
  The Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico was established by business 
and community leaders in my district who are devoted to honoring our 
veterans. The aim of the program is to provide as many World War II 
veterans as possible with the opportunity to see the World War II 
Memorial here in Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. Last October, 
Southern New Mexico had its First Honor Flight, which was a great 
success. Southern New Mexico's Second Honor Flight departed from El 
Paso International Airport this morning carrying World War II veterans 
from my district who have never had an opportunity to see the World War 
II Memorial that was built in their honor. These veterans, who risked 
their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy today, will land at Reagan 
National Airport where they will be greeted with a grand salute. From 
there, they will have an opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial 
for the very first time. At the memorial, there will be a wreath laying 
ceremony in honor of veterans who have passed away, a memory session 
for the veterans to share their World War II stories, and a group photo 
so that they can remember this day for the rest of their lives. They 
will return home this evening.
  These veterans fought nobly for our freedoms and we cannot even begin 
to repay them for their sacrifices. The least we can do is try to show 
them the depth of our gratitude by providing them with this once in a 
lifetime opportunity to visit their memorial. I am proud that every 
dollar that is paying for this honor flight came from private citizens 
who recognize the immense sacrifice these veterans made to ensure their 
liberty. This flight would not be possible without the dedication of 
Judge Robert Brack and Judge Leslie Smith of Las Cruces, who initially 
spearheaded the idea of bringing the Honor Flight program to Southern 
New Mexico. In addition, the Honor Flight Board of Directors comprised 
of Chairman Bill Mattiace, Vice-Chairman Darrell Wall, Treasurer Gary 
Lenzo, and Secretary Patsy A. Duran contributed much time and energy to 
advocating for this cause, and to recruiting board members. Board 
Members Steven Alexander, Walt Baker, Pat Carr, Jag Cheema, Denton 
Holmes, Dolores Connor, J.R. Turner, Susie Cordero, Carrie Contreras, 
Debbie Hanssen, and Dolores Archuleta have also made invaluable 
contributions through their tireless efforts to expand the Honor Flight 
program and seek out donors. The generosity these private citizens have 
shown is an example of the bigheartedness that is a true part of the 
American spirit, and I am touched by their willingness to provide such 
a rare and meaningful opportunity to their friends, neighbors, and even 
perfect strangers.
  From the Western Front to the Eastern Front, from the Pacific and 
Asian Theatre to the African Theatre, Americans from our ``greatest 
generation'' risked life and limb to halt the rise of fascism. We owe 
them more thanks than we can ever express. I welcome these brave 
veterans to Washington and to their memorial.

                          ____________________