[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 11623-11624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF MILITARY FAMILY AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ON MEMORIAL 
                                  DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA L. BEAN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the military 
family organizations and veterans service organizations that do so much 
to support and serve the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
  This Memorial Day, Americans gather to remember the fallen, and 
acknowledge the contributions of our service personnel. Because of the 
contributions and sacrifices of our fellow Americans, we are able to 
enjoy the freedoms and security of this great country that we do today. 
We are so fortunate to live in America, and to be able to call these 
people our own.
  On this day, our thoughts also turn to those who contribute to the 
needs of our men and women who wear the uniform of the United States 
Military.
  Mr. Speaker, the family members of America's men and women in uniform 
have always been one of our nation's greatest assets, and often our 
unsung heroes. Perhaps now as much as ever, the support of our military 
families on the Homefront is crucial to maintaining the spirit of our 
warfighters.
  Now, all across the country, groups of military families and their 
neighbors are continuing to work to support their loved ones stationed 
overseas. As more National Guard and Reserve units are deployed abroad, 
far from their homes, many of their families have organized to send 
much needed gifts, messages from schools, basic supplies difficult to 
come by in Iraq or Afghanistan, or elsewhere. These families do so 
generously, in addition to the extra burdens of taking care of a family 
while a parent is away, either out of love of their family or on the 
part of a serviceperson they have never met.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the work of our veterans 
service organizations. These patriots and committed veterans who 
continue to serve long after their orders have expired are the living 
embodiment--and the conscience--of the American spirit. And their 
service extends beyond the military. These groups with household names 
like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars are

[[Page 11624]]

friendly faces in our communities. Across Illinois' Eighth District, 
like countless other communities, these organizations provide 
leadership and guidance, they are a role model for our children, and 
they are a constant reminder of the call to--and value of--public 
service.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions--and sacrifices--of our military spouses and families, 
and the continuing service of members of America's veterans service 
organizations. They provide so much, so selflessly, to strengthen our 
military and the values we all hold so dear. America absolutely is 
stronger--and richer--because of their service.

                          ____________________