[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


      MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY SHILOH METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2006

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church on its Military Appreciation Day 
Service.
  On behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of 
Florida, and a grateful Nation, I am honored to join with the chorus of 
friends, neighbors, loved ones and this great church family, when we 
all come together this day to thank our men and women in uniform for 
their brave and unselfish sacrifices in defense of our Nation and of 
democracy. We owe their families our heartfelt thanks for their support 
and steadfastness, as their love ones stand in harms way to do a duty 
they have been sworn to uphold. These are surely not easy times; nor 
have they been called upon to demonstrate valor and bravery without 
consequence; yet it is that very valor we honor and pay tribute to.
  Yours is the greater sacrifice so we may bask in the warm glow of 
freedom and hope. To date, there have been 114 Floridians who have 
served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice, including 7 from 
Jacksonville, all of whom, and their families, took upon themselves to 
ensure that our freedoms are protected: from external and internal 
strife; from indifference and apathy and from being taken for granted, 
yet reminding that freedom is not free without sacrifice.
  I wish to thank Pastor Darrell Gilyard and Shiloh Metropolitan 
Baptist Church for having the vision and love of God to set forth this 
day as a special day for all our brothers and sisters in arms. Thank 
this great church for their prayers, guidance and love.
  It has been often said, ``To whom much is given, much is required.'' 
We as a Nation and a people have been given much by the sacrifices and 
commitments of our men and women in uniform, therefore, we are 
required, and are honored to say, ever so humbly, and with great 
praise, Thank You, and may God continue his blessings on each of you, 
your families, and on each of us as we join in this most honored and 
sacred occasion.

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