[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16211]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE REGARDING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, our Nation recently commemorated the 65th 
Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Let me take this opportunity to 
reiterate the importance of that battle and remember the Americans who 
lost their lives in the defense of a small island northwest of Hawaii.
  Between June 4 and June 7, 1942, the United States Navy defeated a 
Japanese attack against the Midway Atoll in what has come to be called 
the Battle of Midway. The battle was a decisive victory for Americans 
and is widely regarded as the most important naval engagement of World 
War II and a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater.
  During the battle, 307 Americans lost their lives. We remember the 
sacrifices made by those men. They gave their lives for the cause of 
freedom. Through their actions, the war was won and peace preserved. We 
will not soon forget them.
  At this time, it is also important to pause to remember the 
contributions of the many thousands of American sailors who 
participated in the Battle of Midway and survived. They--like so many 
of their generation--were touched by the ravages of war and continue to 
wear their scars. We owe them a debt of gratitude we cannot soon repay 
except by remembering their struggle, honoring their sacrifice, and 
continuing to keep in our thoughts those Americans who maintain our 
Nation's tradition of military excellence by serving with valor and 
distinction today.

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