[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 428]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BROWARD COUNTY VETERANS

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                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Broward 
County, Florida, World War II Veterans who, on May 1, 2001, received 
honorary high school diplomas from the Florida Department of Education 
and Broward County Public Schools. Half a century ago, thousands of 
young Americans risked their lives to fight for our freedom in World 
War II, and I applaud the dedication of these veterans during that time 
of war, as well as their loyalty to the security of the American 
people.
  Many who fought in World War II forfeited their chance to complete 
high school and continue onto college when, in the prime of their 
youth, they were asked to save the world. They entered the war as 
teenagers and those that survived came home as adults. Many veterans 
had to immediately enter the workforce upon their return to support the 
families they left behind. Broward County, through this special 
ceremony, has honored these deserving veterans for their personal 
sacrifices and their protection of democracy and humanity.
  Last year, the State of Florida offered all veterans meeting a 
general criteria their high school diplomas. Florida's actions are 
accompanied by similar programs throughout the nation. I commend 
Broward County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Education 
on their efforts to honor these World War II Veterans. These 
institutions further saluted Broward County veterans by arranging a 
special graduation ceremony at which the diplomas were received.
  Mr. Speaker, World War II interrupted the lives of young America in 
the 1940's, and now the State of Florida has presented a chance to 
thank these individuals by recognizing this well-deserved and hard-
earned accomplishment.

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