[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20837]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   VETERANS' ORAL HISTORY PROJECT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation offered 
by the gentleman from Wisconsin, the Veterans' Oral History Project, 
because it encompasses American pride and patriotism. Our veterans are 
the heroes who helped preserve our American heritage. They are living 
evidence that freedom is never free, and they carry the honor of 
hundreds of thousands who breathed their last breath on the field of 
battle.
  Some months ago, I introduced legislation to recognize the American 
G.I. as the most influential figure of the 20th century. I was proud 
that my legislation passed this House unanimously, and I believe the 
legislation we debate this evening is critical to our effort to 
recognize and preserve a record of the sacrifices of every man and 
woman who served our Nation. The importance of documenting the personal 
accounts of our country's veterans cannot be understated. For 
generations, American troops have served to ensure freedom and 
democracy in all corners of the world. Their contributions are woven 
not only into the history of a grateful nation but also the history of 
a peaceful world.
  Over the course of the last few months, I have asked veterans 
throughout my district, the 8th District of North Carolina, to share 
with me their wartime experiences. Their response has been amazing. 
Every American should have the opportunity to read the brave accounts 
of veterans like James Holt, James Wells, and Willie Monday--to name 
just a few. Crew Chief Holt recounts his WWII missions and America's 
contribution in defeating Hitler. Similarly, Mrs. Shuping writes on 
behalf of her father, James Archie Wells, who fought to liberate 
Okinawa, and Captain Monday recalls his reconnaissance missions over 
the Philippines. This, Mr. Speaker, is the best of American history--
and there is an abundance of it. That's why this legislation is so very 
important. The memory of those we lost and the sacrifice of those who 
lived to tell the tale must be preserved and held in high esteem by a 
Congress and a country that extends our veterans its utmost respect and 
heartfelt gratitude.
  I commend my colleague from Wisconsin for his initiative on this 
issue and urge my colleagues support for this worthy legislation.

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