[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 173 (Monday, October 5, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6036-S6037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
the proud Michigan residents who have served in our Nation's military 
and their families.
  When our country was at risk of fracturing in a brutal Civil War, the 
people of Michigan volunteered. When fascism threatened freedom around 
the world, the people of Michigan fought back. And when faced with new 
dangers--from terrorism to pandemic diseases--the people of Michigan 
remain willing to put our lives on the line on behalf of the American 
people.
  Whenever and wherever our Nation needs us, the people of Michigan 
always respond. In some families, this spirit of service stretches back 
generations.
  The Armsteads are one such Michigan family. Peter Armstead was 
originally from England, but when his new Nation needed him, he 
answered the call. He fought during the Civil War

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and barely survived his time in a Confederate prisoner of war camp in 
Mississippi.
  Earl Armstead, Peter's grandson, served in France during World War I, 
where he was put in charge of destroying enemy bridges. He came home 
suffering from post-traumatic stress and, like so many of our veterans, 
struggled to talk about what he had seen.
  And Robert Armstead, Earl's nephew, also fought in Europe during 
World War II. He served in the Tank Destroyer Battalion and took part 
in the Po Valley campaign in Italy. His unit was being readied for the 
Pacific Campaign when the war ended.
  All three of these veterans were willing to sacrifice everything in 
defense of our Nation. This past August, a grateful nation honored them 
with side-by-side burials at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
  Dr. Robert Armstead II, Robert's son, worked to make this historic 
interment happen. He believes veterans deserve to be remembered and 
honored for their service. I couldn't agree more.
  My own father, who served during World War II, always told me that 
veterans should not stand at the back of any line. Our Nation must keep 
its promises to our heroes who have served, whether it is healthcare, 
education, a chance at a good job, the military recognitions they 
earned in service, or a place of honor in our national cemeteries, 
places that Robert Armstead II calls ``sacred holy ground.''
  On this Veterans Day and every day, I salute all of Michigan's 
veterans past and present. I salute their families, who sacrifice 
alongside them and help ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
  Thank you.

                          ____________________