[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WORLD WAR II VETERANS VISIT

  Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I am filled with so much pride every 
time our military veterans visit our Nation's Capital and have the 
opportunity to stand before the memorials built to honor them.
  This weekend, 93 veterans from North Central West Virginia, escorted 
by 55 guardians, will be traveling to Washington, DC, to see the 
memorials that commemorate their sacrifice and valor. This will mark 
the very first Honor Flight from North Central West Virginia--which is 
my hometown region of the ``Mountain State.''
  Fifty World War II veterans, 42 Korean war veterans and one 
terminally ill Vietnam war veteran will fly from the small town of 
Clarksburg, WV, to Reagan National Airport, and before they lift off on 
a truly memorable and moving day, I look forward to greeting our vets 
bright and early at the local airport to wish them a safe trip to our 
Nation's Capital. I also will express my deepest gratitude to these 
special men who helped keep America free and made the world a safer 
place for liberty-loving people across our country and beyond our 
borders.
  Upon their arrival, 30 Active-Duty sailors from the National Naval 
Medical Center and 8 marines from the USS West Virginia submarine will 
accompany the Honor Flight entourage during their daylong adventure.
  These heroic West Virginians will travel to Washington to visit the 
World War II, Vietnam, Korean, FDR, Air Force, and Iwo Jima Memorials 
as well attend a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.
  While their step has slowed, their spirit is keen, their pride is 
undiminished, and their patriotism is immeasurable.
  No matter the war, no matter the rank, no matter the duty, every one 
of these 93 veterans answered America's call and served our great 
country with the utmost valor. In our time of need, they stepped 
forward and said: I will do it--I will protect this country.
  This trip to our Nation's Capital is just one way to say thank you.
  But the West Virginia's North Central community has much more planned 
to show their gratitude for these devoted and courageous veterans. Upon 
the Honor Flight's return Saturday evening, hundreds of West Virginians 
will welcome home our returning vets, including National Guardsmen, 
Civil Air Patrol volunteers, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and our famous West 
Virginia University Mountaineer, Mike Garcia.
  In addition, more than 155 band members from the Busy Bee Band and 
Honeybees of East Fairmont High School will perform a medley of 
patriotic songs, led by their band director and former marine, T.J. 
Bean.
  I want to express my gratitude to my hometown community for their 
tireless efforts to make this Honor Flight a reality. I especially 
thank Butch Phillips and all the people who have been instrumental in 
planning and fulfilling this truly special experience for our 93 West 
Virginia veterans.
  This generation of Americans was united by a common purpose and by 
common values--duty, honor, courage, service, integrity, love of family 
and country, and their triumph over oppression will be forever 
remembered.
  Let us remember that these Honor Flights show tribute to all who have 
served this great country, so may God bless the United States of 
America and all the men and women who keep us free.

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