[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 30805-30806] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]OUTSTANDING VETERANS DAY ESSAYS FROM DISTRICT STUDENTS ______ HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, November 17, 1999 Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to bring to the attention of my colleagues, seven outstanding Veterans Day essays by young individuals from the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois. For my annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Chicago, the following students wrote about what Veterans Day means to them. I hope you will also enjoy these essays: Veterans Day (By Katie Wiencek, Kinzie Elementary School) Veterans Day is a very important day. It is the day when we remember the American soldiers who have lost their lives in the many wars. More than 58,000 soldiers died during the Vietnam War. It has been called one of the most painful periods in our history. But, America still had it good, after all, we had ceased fighting and were trying to rebuild South Vietnam by sending money. America has been the ``good guy'' in almost every war. This stereotype goes for not just the government, but the people and soldiers as well. I think they have a right to be remembered. It is our debt to them to have this memorial for four of the many soldiers who fought so hard for us. They need to be noticed. This memorial is a ``good thing,'' as Martha Stewart would say. I would say, it is a very good thing. ____ Veterans Day (By Rich Pala, Byrne Elementary School) Veterans Day is a day all proud Americans honor the men and women who served the American Army. Some people fought and died for what they believed was right. Some went to war and many died for our country. These are the true heroes of America, and deserve all the respect of billions of American people. Without these brave men and women, America would not be what it is today. We owe everything to these men and women, because they put the pride and honor in America. They fought for everything America stands for. ____ Veterans Day (By Shaun Caulfield, Byrne Elementary School) Bring to mind images of brave soldiers fighting for our country in war time, working in peace time, and trying to keep our [[Page 30806]] country free. Great soldiers come in mind: General Washington, George Patton, Audie Murphy, the less famous but not less important vet. John Joseph Kunkes, my grandfather, fought in Korea. He was missing from action from his platoon for one month. He was on his own staying alive on skills taught to him by the U.S. Army. Thinking about my grandfather's adventures makes me remember every veteran has their tale to tell. It would be to our best interest to seek out his story and appreciate his commitments to his country and his branch of service. To some, Veterans Day is a day off of school or work. But World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam fighters make me shiver. They fought in those wars and risked their lives that makes them so great. On Veterans Day, remember and pray for courageous vets and honor them with the respect and dignity they deserve. To all past, present, and future veterans, remember we are all behind you. ____ Veterans Day (By Julian Ollry, Nathan Hale Middle School) Many brave men and women have given their lives in wartime for our country. One that was not so far in the past was the Vietnam War. The veterans of this war must be especially honored for their valor and loyalty at the most crucial time in American History. This war was difficult for Americans because many of them disagreed with the war. In 1973, the United States government had agreed to stop fighting in Vietnam. When many soldiers returned from the hardships during the war, seeing friends or relatives die in battle, many Americans did not support them and many soldiers felt very unappreciated. Veterans are now beginning to be recognized by other foreign war heroes. Veterans gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC to place gifts and stand quiet vigil at the names of their friends and relatives who fell in the Vietnam War. Families have lost sons and/or daughters in wars. Their thoughts and many others are toward peace and the avoidance of future wars. Today, let us give thanks to these Vietnam veterans and all the brave men and women who fought for America. These soldiers are our heroes. They gave their lives for us and for the cause of freedom. May each and everyone be honored for eternity. ____ What Veterans Day Means to Me (By Amanda Lally, Grade 7, St. Jane de Chantal Elementary School) Veterans Day is a very important holiday in our country. It honors all of those who are living and dead--who served with the US armed forces in times of war. We owe so much to those brave men and women who fought for our freedom and protected our country. I am very proud to have family members who have served for our country. My great-grandfather fought in World War II. He was captured by the enemy and became a prisoner of war, but he survived and came home. My great-uncle fought in the Korean Conflict. They were both proud to serve our country. Without all of these brave men and women, where would our country be? they put their life on the line for all of us. We should not only honor our veterans on this commemorative day, but every day, because without our armed forces there would be no peace or freedom. To all of the people who have served for our country, you make me feel proud to be an American. ____ What Veterans Day Means to Me (By Jennifer Gename, Grade 8, St. Jane de Chantal Elementary School) In my opinion, I think it is only fair to have a holiday commemorating the men who risked their lives to uphold the benefits and principles of our country. They worked hard to uphold our nation's belief in freedom, and they deserve to have a day of recognition. Although Veterans Day is probably not one of the most publicly mentioned holidays, it has great meaning towards my family and me. My grandfather served in World War II, and thankfully survived unharmed. He, and all the other men, worked day and night in the midst of shootings, killings, and pain. They didn't know if they would ever get through a day, let alone survive until the end of the war. If this sort of endurance doesn't deserve a holiday, then I don't know what does. These men did so much for our country, so that everyone would be able to lead happy, safe lives. So, to me, Veterans Day is a very important holiday, because it helps people realize what others went through to help the nation. ____ Veterans Day (By William Matuszak, St. Rene Goupil Elementary School) Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor men and women who have served in the Armed forces. This holiday is celebrated on November, 11. Veterans Day is important to me for many reasons. Both my grandfathers have served in a war. One served in World War II and the other in the Korean Conflict. It is not only important to me, but to everyone, because many families have served in armies and have fought for their countries in war. Veterans Day can also show people between countries, because war is over and we can celebrate that also. Veterans Day is a very important day to all. Men and women from all over the world have fought for their countries in many different ways, and we honor them on this very special day. We celebrate their accomplishments and sacrifices. Veterans Day is a great way to honor all who have died and all who are still living that have served their nation in the military. Let us keep all of the men and women who are presently serving in our military that God will keep them out of harm's way. Mr. Speaker, I wish all of these fine authors the best of luck in their future studies. ____________________