[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 135 (Thursday, October 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE VETERANS OF THE OCTOBER 3, 2013 HONOR FLIGHT OF THE QUAD 
                                 CITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2013

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World 
War II and the Korean War have traveled to our nation's capital. 
Together, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor 
by a grateful nation. At a time of great division in our capital, our 
veterans of the World War II and Korean War generations remind us of 
not only the best of our great nation but also the unity with which our 
nation responded to great challenges.
  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 
personally thank these heroes on behalf of every Iowan I represent 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 the Second World War 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.

                          ____________________