[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate 
Veterans Day, it is fitting and proper that we honor an African-
American sailor who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
  I am planning to introduce legislation soon that calls for awarding 
the Congressional Medal of Honor to Dorie Miller posthumously for his 
heroic actions during World War Two.
  This recognition is long overdue for a man who served his country 
with distinction and valor during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Dorie Miller is just one example of African-American war heroes and 
veterans who have gone beyond and above the call of duty to perserve 
freedom's full measure, although they themselves were denied it in many 
quarters at home.
  As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans. It is our 
duty to ensure that they receive the support they need from the country 
they so diligently served.
  As we daily witness the courageous and professional efforts of our 
armed forces engaged in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Southeast Asia, we are 
all reminded of the tremendous sacrifices our veterans have made on our 
behalf.
  As we celebrate another Veterans Day this November, we must back up 
our promises with our meaningful action. We must honor all of our 
veterans, irrespective of their station in life, their gender, or the 
color of their skin.
  Like Dorie Miller, many have died for the freedom we cherish. Death 
is not a respecter of persons. Nor should we be.

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