[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 164 (Thursday, November 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING GREATER SUPPORT FOR VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2009

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of 
freedom, but specifically, I rise in support of the soldiers who have 
made the dream of freedom a reality for us all. As a cosponsor of H. 
Res. 89, which recognizes the sacrifices that are made every day by the 
men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces, I am pleased 
the House voted this week on the final passage of this legislation.
  I would also like to acknowledge Congressman Joe Baca for introducing 
this legislation, which commemorates the public holiday of Veteran's 
Day and its significance in carrying on the legacy of our living and 
fallen soldiers.
  As a bipartisan bill, this legislation represents the unanimous 
recognition of the impact that the men and women of the United States 
Armed Forces make on our daily lives. The legislation notes the solemn 
cost of death that we pay for the defense of our freedom, and the 
importance of acknowledging the value of that cost. Every fallen 
soldier is an integral part of our collective American community, and a 
tremendous loss is sustained when a brother, a mother, a sister, a 
father, a child or a friend is removed from that community.
  As we remember those who have given so much to our country, whose 
patriotism exceeds the requirement and defies the norm, we must also 
remember that it is our duty to provide for the needs of those heroes 
through programs, funding and medical services. Many of the trials that 
our veterans face as they return home cannot be resolved, from broken 
bones to the memories of the tragedy of war. However, ensuring that our 
veterans have a home to come home to is the least we can do for these 
patriotic heroes. My colleagues and I were able to accomplish that 
through the Homes for Heroes Act, which was passed in June of this 
year. This bill will establish funding for low-income veterans, and 
will address the issues of homelessness and mental health for our 
veterans who need it most.
  Next week, on Veteran's Day, let us also recognize the significant 
contribution that military families play in the lives of our soldiers. 
Through their sacrifices, all of our families are afforded the 
opportunity of living the American Dream. I thank my colleagues for 
approving H. Res. 89 this week and look forward to joining with my 
constituents in Houston next week. As a community, we will honor the 
sacrifices made by our Nation's veterans.

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