[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE VETERANS OF THE MAY 21, 2013 JASPER COUNTY FREEDOM FLIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2013

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over 160 Iowa veterans from World 
War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Vietnam era will 
travel to our nation's capital to visit the monuments that were built 
in their honor by a grateful nation. For many of these veterans, today 
will be the first time they will visit the capital and the first time 
that they will see their monuments.
  On Sunday, they were given a warm send-off by their neighbors and 
friends from Newton and throughout Jasper County. They were escorted 
from the Newton Speedway to the send-off at Newton High School by one 
hundred motorcycle escorts. When the Freedom Flight arrives in 
Washington today, I can think of no greater honor than to be able to 
greet them and to personally thank Iowa's--and our nation's--heroes for 
their service to our country.
  The Freedom Flight brings together three generations of veterans who 
will travel together and support one another throughout their trip. It 
also brings together veterans who were never given the homecoming they 
deserved. This trip, made possible by generous donations from Iowans, 
many of whom the veterans will never meet in person, 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. The veterans will be able to visit 
their monuments today because their fellow Iowans refused to let their 
service go unrecognized. That 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 Jasper County Freedom Flight 
and Iowa's veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, 
and the Vietnam era 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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