[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A VETERAN'S MESSAGE TO HIS COUNTRY

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                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the 
members of my family who have served this country in wartime. My cousin 
Arthur Cozewith, has remained a vigorous advocate for fair treatment 
for all of our veterans.
  On Memorial Day this year, he was the guest speaker after the parade 
in his hometown of Pearl River, New York, and he shared with me the 
remarks he made on that occasion.
  I grew up listening to Arthur's stories of what he and the others 
went through during World War II, including the experience of prisoners 
of war, and I continue to be inspired by his determination to see that 
others who serve are treated the way they should be treated by a nation 
that should be grateful, and through its gratitude helps define our 
greatness.
  Mr. Speaker, as an expression of family pride and in agreement with 
his message, I ask that the eloquent remarks of my cousin Arthur 
Cozewith be printed here as a reminder to us as we legislate this year 
on matters affecting veterans of how important our duty is.

       I would like to thank Honorable Judge and Vietnam War flyer 
     extraordinaire Paul Phinney III for the Honor on this 
     Memorial Day of presenting some of my memories, thoughts and 
     thanks related to the sacrifices made by our veterans. At the 
     age of 18, in November 1942, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and 
     served during WWII as a rifleman in Co. F, 333rd Infantry 
     Regiment of the 84th Division, participating in the battle 
     for Europe. Now, 67 years after the end of WWII, I still 
     remember the days of blood, mud and hot steel and the impact 
     of such days on my buddies, my friends and my relatives 
     serving in the armed forces. I still remember my Army buddy, 
     19-year-old Bob Koebler, killed in action on Dec. 2, 1944, my 
     Uncle David Golush who died of wounds received during the 
     battle for Sicily and my high school friend, Bill Miller, who 
     died when his bomber crashed. I remember that there were 
     exactly 34 bunks in a German reinforced concrete 
     fortification because a wounded American soldier occupied 
     each one. I remember the mistreatment and slow starvation of 
     Americans who were POW's. I remember all the things I don't 
     want to remember.
       As I remember, I readily relate to those veterans who 
     sacrificed body and mind during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, 
     Gulf Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and the wars before and in-
     between to preserve this great country we live in--the United 
     States of America. I am forever grateful for those 
     sacrifices, which now enable my children, grandchildren and 
     great grandchildren to live with equality and freedom.
       I also remember that during WWII, our country acted like a 
     sleeping giant who had been rudely awakened. Americans were 
     united as one, as close together as the fingers in a closed 
     fist. Our decisions were based on one consideration--what was 
     best for America. ``What is in it for me'' was not a 
     permissible thought. We accepted rationing, censorship and 
     lack of goods in the stores. We grew our own vegetables in 
     victory gardens, we conserved everything, we had air raid 
     drills and bought E bonds to save our economy and onward the 
     list goes--winning was not only our sole objective, but also 
     our only option in order to preserve our freedom.
       As we face the challenges of today and the new challenges 
     to come, I wonder if we can again work in unity for the best 
     interests of the country. Will we be able to pass along to 
     future generations the same opportunities we were provided by 
     those who sacrificed their lives for all that is great about 
     America?
       To ensure a bright future for our country, I ask all of you 
     not to forget that these sacrifices led to our resulting good 
     fortune. Adopt a creed that fits within President John 
     Kennedy's words, ``Ask not what your country can do for you, 
     but what you can do for your country.'' Insist that those in 
     power, both elected and non elected, act in a manner that 
     puts country first. Keep in mind the truth in the adage 
     ``United we stand . . . divided we fall.'' Become and remain 
     proactive in promoting and implementing these ideals after 
     today's remembrances have gone by.
       And finally, show your appreciation to the Veteran 
     Community. If you are an uncommitted eligible Veteran, Pearl 
     River American Legion Post 329 and VFW post 7370 welcomes you 
     to join us as we reach out to Veterans and the community at 
     large.
       Remember our war disabled veterans and work to alleviate 
     their on going pain and suffering by insisting that our 
     Congress and Veterans Administration eliminate an antiquated 
     processing system which results in delaying claims in some 
     cases for more than a year.
       Thank you for listening. G-d Bless us all and G-d Bless 
     America.
     --Arthur Cozewith

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