[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE VETERANS OF THE MAY 23, 2013 HONOR FLIGHT OF THE QUAD 
                                 CITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World 
War II and the Korean 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 and the 
Korean War 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.
  We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude and the Honor Flight 
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. As a reminder of 
the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to 
have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to 
build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War 
veterans rose to defend not just our Nation, but the freedoms, 
democracy, and values that make our country the greatest Nation on 
earth. They did so as one people and one country. Their sacrifices and 
determination in the face of great threats to our way of life are both 
humbling and inspiring.
  I am tremendously proud to welcome the Honor Flight of the Quad 
Cities and Iowa's veterans of World War II and the Korean War to our 
Nation's Capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank 
them for their service to our country.

                          ____________________