[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18122]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                              POW-MIA DAY

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay my respects and 
to acknowledge our prisoners of war (POW) and those still missing in 
action (MIA).
  In the year 2000, fewer and fewer Americans understand the meaning of 
POW/MIA Day, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. I feel it is important that 
I and my fellow veterans help our Nation understand that freedom is not 
free. It is paid for by the service and sacrifices of those who served 
our country.
  The United States of America has been honored and blessed with the 
service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Our Nation has 
been kept strong and safe by these great Americans and for this we owe 
a debt we can never fully repay. Nobody knows this more than the 
friends and families of those souls who became prisoners of war or are 
still listed as missing in action. Their anguish and pain is 
unimaginable. I believe it is important to acknowledge those friends 
and family members on this day as well.
  On September 15, 2000, we acknowledge with upmost respect and 
gratitude those who have given their freedom to preserve ours. Those 
who have been prisoners of war have demonstrated steadfastly the 
beliefs of duty, honor, and country. They never gave up on these 
beliefs and the United States must never give up on them. We must take 
care of those who have taken care of us and this includes making every 
effort to account for those patriots who are missing in action. Our 
Nation must bring them home to their loved ones.
  To those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for 
our country, we must always be thankful. We must never take for granted 
the freedoms we have due to the men and women who have faithfully 
served our country in times of war and peace.
  May God bless all these American heroes and their families on this 
and everyday.

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