[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE VETERANS OF THE HONOR FLIGHT OF THE QUAD CITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World 
War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War will travel to our nation's 
capital. Together, they will visit the monuments that were built in 
their honor by a grateful nation.
  We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. For many, today will be the 
first time they will see the National World War II Memorial, the Korean 
War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I can think 
of no greater honor than to be able to greet them and thank Iowa's--and 
our nation's--heroes for their service to our country.
  That is why I am deeply honored to join them for their visit to the 
National World War II Memorial to personally thank these heroes for 
their service to our nation and to pay tribute to the incredible 
sacrifice they made for our country.
  Today's Honor Flight brings together three generations of veterans 
who will travel together and support one another throughout their trip. 
It brings together members of the Greatest Generation who defended and 
then rebuilt our nation to make it even stronger. It also brings 
together veterans who were never given the homecoming they deserved. 
Many of the Vietnam Veterans travelling on the Honor Flight will act as 
volunteer guardians for their fellow veterans--truly bringing together 
generations of those who have served our nation.
  This trip demonstrates that we as a state and as a country will never 
forget the debt we owe those who have worn our nation's uniform. Iowa's 
veterans will be able to visit their monuments because their fellow 
Iowans refused to let their service go unrecognized. Their generosity 
is truly humbling and should inspire us all to continue to work each 
and every day on behalf of those who serve our nation.
  I am tremendously proud to welcome the Honor Flight of the Quad 
Cities and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, and 
the Vietnam War to our nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan 
I represent, I thank them for their service to our country.

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