[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 154 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H7734-H7735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF VETERANS
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1622) honoring the historic contributions of
veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United States.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1622
Whereas veterans of service in the United States Armed
Forces have served the Nation with honor and great
sacrifices;
Whereas the people of the United States owe the security of
the Nation to those who defended it;
Whereas United States veterans past and present have served
the Nation in times of peace and war at great personal
sacrifice for both themselves and their families;
Whereas historic contributions include involvement in the
Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Eastern Indian Wars, Mexican
War, Civil War, Western Indian Wars, Spanish-American War,
World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict,
Lebanon crisis of 1958, Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring
Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other conflicts;
Whereas veterans have served the United States in hundreds
of deployments, large and small, responding to acts of
aggression against the United States and its allies,
protecting and evacuating civilians, bringing stability to
areas experiencing political turmoil, and providing comfort
and support in the wake of natural disasters;
Whereas the service and sacrifice of generations of men and
women have shaped the history of the United States and
transformed its society;
Whereas as civilians, veterans continue to provide a
valuable service by working and volunteering in their
communities across the Nation;
Whereas on Veterans Day each year, the Nation honors those
who have defended democracy by serving in the Armed Forces;
Whereas the observance of Veterans Day is an expression of
faith in democracy, faith in American values, and faith that
those who fight for freedom will defeat those whose cause is
unjust;
Whereas section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code,
provides that ``Veterans day, November 11th'' is a legal
public holiday;
Whereas we must honor and express the Nation's gratitude to
all veterans for their unwavering commitment to country,
justice, and democracy; and
Whereas as the Nation reaffirms its obligation to provide
veterans and their families with the essential support they
were promised and have earned: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes and honors the courage, service, and
sacrifice of all veterans and their historic contributions to
the United States;
(2) encourages the people of the United States to
demonstrate their support for Veterans Day each year by
treating that day as a special day of reflection;
(3) encourages schools and teachers to educate students on
the historic contributions veterans have made to the country
and its history, both while serving as members of the United
States Armed Forces and after completing their service; and
(4) requests that the President issue a proclamation each
year in connection with the observance of Veterans Day
calling on the people of the United States to recognize the
historic contribution of all veterans by observing that day
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. FILNER. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5
legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H. Res. 1622.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. FILNER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago, as we all know, Americans came together to
honor Veterans Day and pay tribute to the over 23 million veterans that
have served our Nation. We have a proud legacy of appreciation and
commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform and have made
great sacrifices. We know that we owe the security of this Nation to
those who defended it.
This resolution before us encourages Americans to demonstrate their
support for veterans also. No other group of Americans has stood
stronger and braver for our democracy than our troops and our veterans.
I firmly believe that Veterans Day should not be observed for just
one day a year but that our Nation's heroes must be celebrated,
honored, and remembered for their service to our Nation the whole year
through. So I encourage all Americans to reach out to veterans, thank
them and their families for their amazing sacrifice, learn more about
their great contribution to our Nation, and gain the wisdom of their
personal stories of this Nation's history.
This year, like the last, our country observed Veterans Day while
engaged in conflicts abroad that required the dedication of our
uniformed troops. Our thoughts remain with those who are in uniform
engaged in conflicts abroad.
{time} 2000
We must be united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman, and
marine is welcomed back with all the care and compassion that this
grateful Nation can bestow. This democracy must stand together to
support our veterans because our freedom and liberty depend on it. On
Veterans Day and this whole year through, join me and take the time to
show your gratitude to those who have answered the call to duty.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1622, a bill
honoring the historic contributions of veterans throughout all
conflicts involving the United States. All of our veterans have
provided a great service to our country through their personal
sacrifices. As a Nation, we owe them our gratitude for their service.
Section 6103 of title 5 of the United States Code provides that
Veterans Day, November 11, is a legal public holiday. House Resolution
1622 reaffirms the Nation's obligation to support our veterans and
their families.
H.R. 1622 would resolve that the House of Representatives recognizes
the honor, the courage, sacrifice, of all veterans, and their historic
contributions to the United States. It encourages the people of the
United States to demonstrate their support for Veterans Day each year
by treating that day as a special day of reflection. It encourages
schools and teachers to educate students on the historic contributions
veterans have made to the country and its history, both while serving
as members of the United States Armed Forces, and after completing
their service, and requests that the President issue a proclamation
each year in connection with the observance of Veterans Day, calling on
the people of the United States to recognize the historic contribution
of all veterans by observing that day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
However, I am saddened that the House of Representatives was unable
to pass this worthy resolution before Veterans Day, November 11.
Again I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1622, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. FILNER. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I do want to again say that in our
district and in many districts around the country it's not just
Veterans Day, it's Veterans Week. We spend an entire week celebrating
the service and sacrifice made by our veterans. During this past 2
weeks ago we had Veterans Day during the entire week because many of us
as Congressmen like to attend as many of these as we can. To show you
the support, in one small community of Morristown, Tennessee, there
were almost 6,000 people at an event for veterans. Our keynote speaker
was General Livingston, who is a Medal of Honor winner, a Marine.
I attended church the following Sunday with Arnold ``Bud'' Pate, who
lost his arm in Vietnam, who is a Baptist pastor there. And on and on
we see stories of these heroes who served our Nation. So I would
encourage all of us to support this resolution.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of House
Resolution 1622, legislation I introduced to honor the historic
contributions of veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United
States.
Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who
have served
[[Page H7735]]
our country in the name of freedom and democracy.
It's important that all Americans reflect on the sacrifices made by
men and women in uniform from all conflicts involving the United
States, from the Revolutionary War to current wars and conflicts.
Regardless in time of peace or in the time of war--the service and
sacrifice of generations of men and women shaped America's history and
transformed our society.
A great example of this courage is one of my constituents from
Fontana, California--CPL Ernest Gonzalez, who received the bronze star
for actions against Cambodian armed and hostile forces in 1970,
including bravely exposing himself to enemy fire to retrieve his
platoon leader.
For most veterans, their contributions extend well beyond active
duty, and include their service as valuable members of our communities.
Another constituent of mine, Robert Allen Bartleman, from San
Bernardino, California recently received military decorations for his
courageous service as a combat Marine in Vietnam. He is now active in
the legal community in my district.
Pete Martinez, an Airborne Paratrooper during the Korean war, is
currently active in the Inland Empire Airborne Association in my
district. He continues to work on behalf of veterans and is a great
asset to his community.
After serving his country, Marine Col. John Kazalunas--formerly of
the Rialto Unified School Board--went on to obtain his Ph.D. in
Education to further contribute his talents and hard work in the field
of education.
John Weininger, a proud Marine and Army veteran, and formerly a
member of my district staff, remains a dedicated supporter and true
champion of veterans after his service to this country.
Two additional veterans I'd like to mention are Mike Trujillo, a
former member of my district staff and Jess Vizcaino, currently on my
district staff. Both have been valuable assets to me by providing
outstanding public service to the constituents of my district.
Another dedicated veteran is Anthony Acevedo, a World War II veteran
who was 1 of 300 captured American soldiers held prisoner at a Nazi
slave labor camp.
Through his courageous work as a medic, Mr. Acevedo kept a detailed
diary of his imprisonment. Decades later he worked tirelessly to obtain
the recognition of the U.S. Army for this group; his diary is now part
of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
This resolution: Urges all Americans to recognize and encourages
schools to educate students about the historic contributions of all
veterans; and makes a request to the President to issue a proclamation
for Veterans Day.
I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 1622. As a Vietnam-
era veteran, I am committed to ensure America keeps its promises to our
nation's troops and the 23 million plus American veterans.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in
support of H. Res. 1622, ``Honoring the historic contributions of
veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United States.'' I
would like to begin by thanking my colleague, Representative Baca, for
introducing this resolution to the House, as honoring those who have
fought for our Nation should remain a priority. I urge my colleagues to
also support this resolution, which recognizes that our great Nation
stands strong today because of the dedication and sacrifice of American
veterans. The United States is surely indebted to the veterans of every
conflict, who have made great sacrifices for themselves and their
families in defense of our national security. Our freedom is
intertwined with the sacrifices of our veterans, whose devotion to our
way of life is unparalleled. I am privileged to officially honor their
sacrifices and the role they play in our Nation.
Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who
have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and
democracy. The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. Their
sacrifices and those of their families are freedom's foundation.
Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines
and Coast Guardsmen and their families, our country would not live so
freely.
This resolution not only solidifies the importance of Veterans Day,
but also extends the importance of support for veterans throughout the
year. In observing Veterans Day, the people of the United States must
also encourage the education of our youth on how those dedicated
individuals have contributed to the United States history and today's
society. We must continue the tradition of honoring those who have
served for the greatest causes, freedom, democracy, and justice; their
commitment to the United States at home and abroad should never be
forgotten. I am truly proud to rise in support of the recognition of
the courage, service, and sacrifice of all United States veterans.
We recognize and honor the veterans of the Armed Forces not only of
today, but also of years past, who have sacrificed their lives for our
great Nation. House Resolution 1622 recognizes the historic
contributions of the United States veterans in the involvement of the
Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Eastern Indian Wars, Mexican War, Civil
War, Western Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War
II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, Lebanon crisis of 1958, Persian Gulf
War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, among other
conflicts. This resolution reaffirms our country's utmost respect and
pride for our service people who have contributed to the shaping of the
United States' history and our current place in the world today. This
resolution expresses our deepest gratitude to United States Armed
Forces veterans throughout history who have committed and sacrificed
their lives to serve their country and its dedication to democracy.
Currently, our Nation has 3 million troops and reservists, and 23
million veterans, who deserve the greatest respect from their fellow
citizens. Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment
to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this
country, and we must ensure that this legacy continues in the future.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I urge
my colleagues to unanimously support House Resolution 1622, and yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Tonko). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1622.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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