[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14582]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 14582]]

                       MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, over the Memorial Day weekend, a 
series of events and memorial services were held in Indianapolis 
honoring our nation's Medal of Honor winners. Nearly 100 of all of the 
living Medal of Honor recipients came to Indiana to participate in the 
ceremonies as honored guests. In addition to paying tribute to these 
heroes and celebrating their remarkable accomplishments with a healthy 
dose of Hoosier hospitality, a new memorial to the Medal of Honor 
winners was dedicated. This memorial is only one of its kind in the 
nation. All of this was made possible by countless numbers of 
volunteers who worked tirelessly to carry out this program that was 
initiated and undertaken by IPALCO Enterprises of Indianapolis.
  Following this remarkable weekend. I received a letter from Major 
General Robert G. Moorhead, USA (Ret.), who through his words captured 
the sentiments of many of my State who were a part of these historic 
and moving events.
  At this time, Mr. President, I ask that an excerpt from General 
Moorhead's letter be printed in the Record.
  The excerpt follows.

       As the last days of the 20th century continue to unfold, 
     Memorial Day weekend in the capital of Indiana was one to 
     remember. Nearly 100 Medal of Honor recipients were guests 
     for a series of stirring tributes. These included a solemn 
     Memorial Service; the dedication of the only memorial to 
     recipients of the Medal of Honor; grand marshals in the 
     IPALCO 500 Festival Parade; an outdoor concert by the 
     Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; and a parade lap around the 
     famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval prior to the start of 
     the race.
       As the 20th century draws to a close, many wonder if the 
     nation has lost sight of the sacrifices which have been made 
     to preserve freedom. After this Memorial Day weekend in 
     Indianapolis, my heart remains swollen with pride in our land 
     and my fellow citizens. The reception given these ordinary 
     men who did extraordinary things can never be equaled.
       I am especially proud of the untold hundreds of volunteers 
     who gave of their time and talent to make these events 
     possible. Memorial Day Weekend 1999 did much to convince me 
     that our nation's freedom loving spirit is alive and well. It 
     also underscored the true meaning of ``Hoosier Hospitality.''
           Sincerely,
                                            MG Robert G. Moorhead,
     USA Ret.

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