[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22085]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   VETERANS DAY, THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this Veterans Day to pay 
tribute to our nation's heroes. The veterans of this country have given 
so much to protect and secure our way of life. Now more than ever, it 
is our duty to commemorate their actions, and to commend their 
commitment.
  I rise to thank our veterans for having the courage and strength to 
fight for American values. Though we are saddened by recent events, we 
can look to the valiant history of our nation's bravest for comfort. We 
can rest assured that the dream of America is worth fighting, dying, 
and living for. We know because from every corner of the earth, the 
down trodden, the disenfranchised, and the oppressed come to seek out 
this dream. We know America is the beacon of hope and change, we can 
see it in the diversity of our citizenry.
  On September 11, 2001, a generation blanketed by the quilt of peace 
and tranquility was awakened. This quilt of peace, stitched with the 
blood, sweat, and tears of brave American soldiers, was torn in a 
manner unimaginable only two months ago. Today, a generation comforted 
by a freedom so deep, so common, so prevalent, and so easily taken for 
granted, can more easily identify the price for which it was paid.
  This generation is reminded that the sacrifice of Americans made our 
way of life possible. Young Americans with dreams in their eyes and 
hope in their hearts, bought our freedom. The tears of families who 
lost loved ones were exchanged for our security. The peace that we have 
come to know, was purchased by men and women that so loved our country 
that they risked and often gave their lives--ensuring that freedom is 
not only a concept that we dream about, but a reality that we live.
  So it is with gratitude and the utmost respect that we remember those 
who fought, and those who were lost for the love of our nation. We move 
forward more vigilant, more aware, and more determined. As we pay 
tribute to our nation's freedom fighters, we stand with a new pride in 
America. Our hopes and prayers go out to those who are deployed, even 
now, to carry the torch in the fight for freedom. At the dawning of a 
new day of uncertainty, we can look to the American values of freedom, 
justice, and equality to lead us to peace. We thank the countless 
heroes, our veterans, for giving their freedom and their lives, so that 
we may live free.

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