[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE VETERANS AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 
                        QUAD CITIES HONOR FLIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today I have the great honor of welcoming 
to our nation's capital ninety-two Iowa veterans of the Greatest 
Generation and forty-three Gold Star family members who will be 
escorting them on their visit. This is truly a special Honor Flight 
because it is bringing together World War II and Korean War veterans 
with families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and 
Afghanistan.
  The 43 Gold Star family members travelling to our capital today 
represent 24 fallen servicemembers. I can think of no greater honor 
than to join them and our World War II and Korean War veterans at the 
National World War II Memorial during their visit and to personally 
thank Iowa's, and our nation's, heroes--our veterans and the families 
who have sacrificed so greatly on behalf of our country.
  When our country was threatened, our World War II and Korean War 
Veterans rose to defend not just our nation but the freedoms, 
democracy, and values that we hold dear. The Greatest Generation did 
not seek to be tested both abroad by a war that fundamentally 
challenged our way of life and at home by the Great Depression and the 
rebuilding of our economy that followed. But, when called upon to do 
so, they defended and then rebuilt our nation.
  This generation of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans is no less humbling 
in their service and sacrifice. They have fought overseas for over a 
decade so that we may live in peace here at home. While our country may 
never be able to repay the debt we owe our Gold Star families, we must 
uphold the promise that we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice 
made by their loved ones.
  I am tremendously proud and humbled to welcome the Quad Cities Honor 
Flight, our World War II and Korean War veterans, and our Gold Star 
families to our nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I 
represent, I thank them for their service and sacrifice.

                          ____________________