[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, today I wish to pay special tribute to 
the nearly 600,000 Michigan residents who have proudly served in our 
Nation's Armed Forces.
  Today's veterans have served on many fronts, from the beaches of 
Normandy and Iwo Jima, to the rice fields of Korea, to the jungles of 
Vietnam, to the Cold War, to the deserts of the Persian Gulf, to the 
fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq, and right here at 
home.
  This spirit of service lives on in so many different ways across our 
State. Whether they are supporting military families, providing help 
for fellow veterans, giving back through religious organizations and 
community nonprofits, or inspiring the next generation while coaching 
Little League or the local softball team, these patriots show us that 
service is more than something you do once. Instead, it is a way of 
life all of us should strive for.
  Our veterans have done so much for us. It is our solemn duty to keep 
the promises we have made to them.
  We must also ensure that our veterans receive each and every military 
honor they have earned while defending our country. I have been so 
fortunate to get to know Jim McCloughan of South Haven, who was awarded 
the Medal of Honor earlier this year for saving the lives of 10 of his 
fellow soldiers during the Vietnam war. Like so many of our veterans, 
Jim has spent the decades since then continuing to serve his community.
  I know the sacrifices our veterans made because I have seen it 
firsthand. My own father served in the Navy during World War II, and he 
always said that veterans shouldn't stand in the back of any line, not 
for healthcare, education, housing, the chance at a good job, or the 
military honors, they have earned. He was absolutely right, and I have 
made it my mission to ensure that every promise made to our veterans is 
a promise kept.
  Michigan's veterans are the best of us. On this Veterans Day--and 
every day--we salute them, we honor them, and we thank them for their 
service.
  Thank you.

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