[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 25803-25804]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF ALL VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2005

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, this week we honor our Nation's veterans--
not just the thousands who have risked their lives in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, but the millions more who over the years have answered the 
call to arms and served as a member of the United States Armed Forces.
  Since the founding of this Nation, Americans have battled 
courageously to protect the helpless, defeat despots and spread the 
cause of freedom to every corner of the globe. Most of the men and 
women who served in World War I are no longer with us. World War II, 
Korea and Vietnam veterans still walk among us today, and we owe them 
the most heartfelt gratitude.
  The torch was passed to a new generation after the horrific terrorist 
attacks of September 11, 2001. Since then, hundreds of thousands of 
young people have donned the uniform of a soldier, Marine, sailor or 
airman in our Global War on Terrorism. They have chosen an often 
arduous life not for fame or riches, but because they believe in 
America and her ideals. These great young people have embraced the 
challenge. From the dusty streets of Iraq to the jagged mountains of 
Afghanistan, they have done their duty with honor, fighting for their 
country and each other.
  I have traveled overseas several times to Iraq and Afghanistan to 
meet our military personnel and have witnessed them doing their job 
magnificently; they fight voluntarily on our behalf. I was awed by 
their courage, determination and dedication as they combat a brutal 
enemy thousands of miles from home.
  The times have changed, but the sacrifices have not. More than 2,000 
U.S. service members have been killed and over 16,000 have been wounded 
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  We in Congress must honor our veterans not just with words, but with 
deeds. The survivors of those who make the ultimate sacrifice must be 
cared for in a manner that honors their memory. Benefits and health 
care must remain readily available for service members and their 
families--active duty, Reserve

[[Page 25804]]

or Guard. And those wounded warriors who return home must be mended 
back to health, in body and spirit.
  In my district, I have convened a working group to assist veterans in 
every possible way. The goal of this group is for communities to create 
innovative and effective programs which show appreciation and offer 
financial, moral and physical support for veterans.
  Over 25 million U.S. veterans live among us today. You may know one. 
Pause a moment and thank them for their service. They deserve no less.

                          ____________________