[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 4, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H9228-H9229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORT RED CROSS' HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
the American Red Cross' annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program.
  Each year in early December, the Red Cross hosts this important event 
that strives to provide our men and women in uniform with the support 
and encouragement that is particularly important around the holiday 
season.
  We all look forward to gathering with family, friends, and loved ones 
during this time of year. For our servicemembers, this is a luxury.
  These men and women spend many months at a time away from their 
families. That is difficult no matter what

[[Page H9229]]

time of year it is, but around the holidays, their sacrifice is 
magnified.
  Today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rayburn foyer, we can all play a 
small role in brightening the spirits of those in our military by 
signing a holiday card.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an initiative that I look forward to participating 
in every year, and I encourage my colleagues and their staff to 
participate as well.
  For more than a decade, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program has 
worked hard to remind our heroes just how much we appreciate their 
service and their sacrifice.
  Last year around this time, I had the privilege of sponsoring a 
congressional delegation abroad where we met with our troops and had 
the pleasure of spending time with them during the week of 
Thanksgiving. My colleagues and I traveled to Kuwait to serve and to 
share a meal with soldiers stationed there. It was an honor to meet 
with so many individuals who have committed their lives to protecting 
our great Nation.
  We can all do our part to support our dedicated servicemen and -women 
now and throughout the year. A gesture as small as sending a card can 
brighten the holiday season for those who are deployed.
  This holiday season, I encourage each and every one of us to take a 
moment out of our days to let a soldier know how much we appreciate 
them.

                          ____________________