[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7155]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2007

  Mr. DICKS. Madam Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, Members of Congress, 
leaders of our armed forces and, of course, our treasured Medal of 
Honor recipients. Thanks to all of you all for joining me in 
remembering the extraordinary achievements of our combat veterans--
particularly those who wear the Congressional Medal of Honor. It's also 
a real pleasure once again to have the chance to be with Bruce 
Crandall, who received his Medal recently at a White House ceremony 
that I attended earlier this month. When the President read the 
citation detailing the amazing heroism that Bruce displayed in Vietnam, 
it was again a reminder to me of how special each of these individuals 
are and how important it is that we provide adequate recognition to 
those who achieve this highest military commendation.
  Out of more than 3,400 individuals to receive this medal in our 
nation's history, just 112 remain with us today.
  Their actions in battle, and their continued efforts now as shepherds 
of patriotism, remind us all how fortunate this Nation is to have men 
as brave as these among us. Your legacy and lessons of sacrifice 
continue to inspire us to act with loyalty where we work, live and 
serve; to walk with courage when obstacles hinder us from the right 
path.
  I am honored to be able to serve in my capacity as a member of the 
United States Congress, and am proud to be an original co-sponsor of 
this resolution creating the National Medal of Honor day. You have been 
recognized by your Nation's leadership with the highest medal of 
military distinction. Now your fellow citizens will always recognize 
you with a day in your honor.
  Thank you for your bravery that brought America to where she is 
today, and thank you for all that you continue do to demonstrate the 
values of loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, and courage.

                          ____________________