[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30847]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATING THE 53RD VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, it was the 11th hour on the 11th day of 
the 11th month of 1918 when the guns fell silent on European 
battlefields, echoing the cease-fire agreement between the Allied 
Nations and German Forces and America's first victory in a battle for 
freedom in a world at war.
  One year later, on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson 
proclaimed and commemorated the first Armistice Day. Thirty-five years 
later, this day would come to be known as Veterans Day--a day in which 
our Nation takes the time to recognize the service and sacrifice of the 
men and women who have heeded the call to service in defense of our 
Nation.
  Over the years, our Nation has fought many battles, on many 
continents, amongst many enemies, and in defense of those who cannot 
defend themselves. Throughout these battles, our country has seen some 
of our best and brightest commit the ultimate sacrifice for a cause 
that they believe in, a cause called freedom.
  To many across the world, freedom is a work in progress, a quest 
toward the ability to do and say what you feel, and live in a world of 
peace, to provide for your family, and to live without the fear of 
persecution for your beliefs and ideas. As Americans, we enjoy these 
freedoms many others do not, because of the unyielding sacrifice made 
by our brave men and women in uniform who have served our Nation over 
the course of history to defend our liberty.
  Let us take this day to remember those who have served and those who 
have fallen, who selflessly gave of themselves, knowing that they were 
protecting and representing the greatest Nation on Earth. Let us 
remember that it is our duty to see that our veterans have access to 
quality and affordable healthcare. And let us remember to always honor 
and recognize all veterans with the respect and admiration that they 
have earned.
  Our veterans, as our soldiers fighting today, remain foremost in the 
thoughts and minds of West Virginians, and will always remain one of my 
top Congressional priorities. May God continue to bless all those who 
have returned and those who have not on this Veterans Day.

                          ____________________