[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25963]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          THE LEGION OF HONOR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the year 2000 quickly 
approaches, I believe that we are in a unique position to reflect upon 
our Nation's history and the constant commitment of our United States 
veterans. These are the men and women who have accepted the highest 
responsibility and made the greatest sacrifice to preserve freedom and 
liberty for their brothers and sisters. Their dedication to protect our 
country and preserve the principles that it was founded upon have 
ensured and provided for the survival and strength of this Nation.
  Last year, we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Armistice Day, a day 
that marked the end of World War I. The first world war became known as 
the ``Great War.'' It was fought to make the world safe for democracy. 
The government of France decided to mark the anniversary of the signing 
of the Armistice by awarding the Legion of Honor, France's highest 
decoration, to Americans and other allied veterans who served in the 
``Great War'' on French soil.
  Mr. Speaker, whenever we have been involved in conflict, brave 
citizens have always answered the call to duty. The first world war was 
no exception. The United States sent over 4.5 million troops into 
battle and over 100,000 never came home. These individuals gave their 
lives to protect our country and the freedoms we all enjoy today.
  Today we have approximately 3,200 living World War I veterans, half 
of whom are believed to have served in France during the war. Harvey 
Lewis Gray of Carteret County, North Carolina, had just turned 18 in 
1917 when he joined his fellow Americans in the ``Great War'' in the 
fight against tyranny.
  Corporal Gray was one of almost 2 million Americans sent across the 
ocean to fight alongside French soldiers. He served in the United 
States Army from April of 1917 to April of 1919 and served in the 26th 
Division in France. This year, Harvey Gray is celebrating 100 years of 
life. I am proud that the Third District of North Carolina, which I 
have the honor to represent, is home to such a courageous soldier.
  On October 7 of this year, Harvey Gray received the Legion of Honor 
award surrounded by his family and friends. His commitment to his 
Nation can only be matched with his commitment to his family. I could 
not be more proud to represent such a fine soldier and a fine man. 
Harvey Gray's effort in the name of freedom is unforgettable and worthy 
of the recognition and tribute he has received, and more.
  Mr. Speaker, my grandfather was gassed during World War I at the 
Battle of Argonne. While my grandfather was fortunate enough to 
survive, thousands of others lost loved ones. The courage of these 
brave soldiers and the courage of all who have served this Nation have 
provided for the free democratic nation we enjoy today.
  Daniel Webster once said, and I quote, ``And by the blessing of God, 
may that country itself become a vast and splendid monument, not of 
oppression and terror, but of wisdom or peace, and of liberty, upon 
which the world may gaze with admiration forever.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is because of the strength and courage of men and 
women like Harvey Gray that America is free today. Our United States 
veterans symbolize the greatness of this Nation. They represent the 
America that rose to greatness on the shoulders of ordinary citizens. 
While we can never thank them enough for their sacrifice, we can 
recognize the heroic courage of our veterans who fought for our 
freedom.
  Harvey Gray, I thank you and your country thanks you for your courage 
and your service to this great Nation.

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