[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29067]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            HONORING OUR NATION'S VETERANS ON VETERANS' DAY

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                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 8, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the millions 
of Americans who served and sacrificed for our country in wars all over 
the world. This week we celebrate Veterans' Day in thousands of 
ceremonies across America, including several in the 1st Congressional 
District of Arkansas which I was so proud to represent.
  November 11 was originally the day commemorating the 1918 armistice 
that ended World War I. The original Armistice Day celebrated the 
signing of the armistice between the Allies and the Central Powers at 
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The first 
commemorative ceremony was held when an American soldier was buried in 
the Arlington National Cemetery at the same time as a British soldier 
was buried in Westminster Abbey and a French soldier was buried at the 
Arc de Triomphe. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean 
Conflict, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day. Realizing that 
peace was equally preserved by veterans of WW II and Korea, Congress 
was requested to make this day an occasion to honor those who have 
served America in all wars.
  Many times we have asked our veterans to put their lives on hold, to 
leave their families to serve their country and protect our freedoms. 
Because of their strength and courage, all Americans enjoy the ideals 
of democracy.
  On Veterans Day, it is important to remember that our Nation owes a 
commitment to our veterans every day of the year. We salute the 
millions of Americans who, because of their courage, have given us the 
freedom that we all enjoy. These heroes sacrificed for love of country, 
not only answering the call of our flag, but also honoring its meaning. 
Veterans' Day is a time for all Americans to remember their 
extraordinary commitment that has made our country the greatest nation 
that has ever been.
  On this Veterans Day, we should all express our sincere thanks to our 
fellow Americans who valiantly served abroad in the U.S. Armed Forces. 
We should all reflect on the pride we share in the men and women who 
have kept our Nation free and strong.

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