[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30981]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  H. CON. RES. 257--PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO HARRY W. COLMERY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of House Resolution 257 urging President Bush to bestow this 
Nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom 
Award, on Harry W. Colmery, former national commander of The American 
Legion.
  Mr. Colmery is credited with drafting the Servicemen's Readjustment 
Act of 1944, otherwise known as the World War II ``GI Bill of Rights.'' 
The GI Bill not only enabled the successful transition of millions of 
World War II veterans back to civilian life, but also paved the way to 
create America's modern middle class.
  In fact, about 7.8 million men and women were educated or trained by 
the World War II GI Bill, arguably our most successful domestic program 
ever.
  With our brave service men and women currently engaged in dangerous 
military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of the world 
in support of the Global War on Terrorism, it is so critical for 
Congress to continue to provide our military personnel with top-notch 
benefits like today's Montgomery GI Bill. As I travel throughout the 
first district of South Carolina, veterans and current service members 
always remind me of the importance of these educational benefits.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to support this Resolution to 
honor Harry W. Colmery, a man of extraordinary wisdom and foresight.

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