[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST GENERATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARY BONO MACK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and 
women who fought and served in World War II. Their courage, 
selflessness and remarkable contributions to our country must never be 
forgotten. They fought not for fame or recognition, and too often made 
the ultimate sacrifice, but because it was simply their duty.
  When Tom Brokaw declared them the ``greatest generation any society 
has ever produced,'' no one could have described them in more fitting 
terms. After suffering through the Great Depression as youths, they 
were summoned to war following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on 
December 7, 1941. They didn't hesitate. They jumped at the chance to 
fight for their country in the heat of the South Pacific, the chill of 
Europe and other fronts around the globe. When they returned home, they 
humbly kept the horrors of war to themselves, not wanting to trouble 
their families with the terror of what they had faced. Women who had 
never held a job outside of the home before served as nurses, built 
tanks and planes, and those who stayed home immediately went to work to 
support the war effort. Truly, their unwavering patriotism is exemplary 
and serves as an inspiration to future generations.
  I am honored to pay tribute to this generation because I am the proud 
daughter of a World War II veteran who flew a B17 bomber in Europe 
during the war. My dad's unwavering courage, unimaginable sacrifices 
and tireless work ethic is typical of his generation. Because of my dad 
and others like him, we live in freedom in the greatest country on 
Earth. As this generation ages, it's up to us to keep their legacy 
strong and tell their story to generations to come. Together, we must 
``keep the Spirit of '45 Alive.'' I commend the residents of the 
Coachella Valley for their efforts to do just that.
  The Palm Springs Air Museum, where old bombers like my dad's stand 
proudly on display, is hosting a ``Spirit of '45 Day'' next month to 
honor those who fought in World War II. Events like these serve as a 
worthy salute to this brave generation before we are left with only 
their memory. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a community treasure and 
labor of love for those dedicated to preserving and sharing the history 
of our nation's heroic aviators. It is well worth a visit for anyone 
who wants to learn more about the role our brave pilots and other 
service personnel played in many epic conflicts. I want to extend 
special thanks to the many volunteers and supporters who ensure the 
continued operation of this outstanding museum.
  In the early hours of June 6, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower told 
his troops that the eyes of the world were upon them. Those words were 
powerful then, but still rings true today. Indeed, the eyes of the 
world will always be upon the Greatest Generation, and I hope you'll 
join me in making every effort to preserve their remarkable legacy, a 
legacy that will never be diminished as long as the Republic they 
fought so heroically to preserve endures.

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