[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 25565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          A SALUTE TO VETERANS

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, this Friday, Americans will observe 
Veterans Day, a special day of national observance that we have set 
aside to remember our veterans and their sacrifices.
  The 50 million Americans who have served our country since the 
American Revolution have done more than just protect our national 
security. They fought for our freedom, and in so doing, our veterans 
have provided a shining example for the millions of Americans who 
followed in their footsteps.
  In my own family, my father served in the Navy during World War II in 
the Pacific theater. He was in the Iwo Jima campaign and was awarded 
the Bronze Star.
  Nearly 2 million veterans live in my home State of Florida. Thousands 
of my fellow Floridians have served or are on active duty in 
Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of these soldiers have made the ultimate 
sacrifice and many have suffered grievous wounds. I salute these brave 
men and women.
  Madam Speaker, may God bless our veterans, their families, and this 
great Nation.

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