[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7478]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE INAUGURAL FLIGHT OF EMERALD COAST HONOR FLIGHT

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to 
rise today to recognize the Inaugural Mission of Emerald Coast Honor 
Flight on April 30, 2008. The organization's efforts serve as a much-
deserved tribute to our Nation's veterans.
  Emerald Coast Honor Flight was established as a regional program in 
my district in Northwest Florida to fly World War II veterans to 
Washington, DC, for one day and give them a chance to see the memorials 
specifically dedicated to the conflicts in which they bravely served. 
The organization is privately funded, and with the support of 
individuals and businesses alike, the trip is made at absolutely no 
cost to the veteran.
  The Emerald Coast is well-known for its unwavering support for our 
men and women in uniform in both current and past conflicts. With a 
strong military presence and nearly 110,000 veterans, there is a 
tremendous appreciation in the area for those who put their lives on 
the line to defend liberty. It is therefore of little surprise to me 
that people throughout Florida's First Congressional District came 
together so willingly and eagerly to make this day a reality. For many 
of our veterans, especially World War II veterans who have waited so 
long for a memorial, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 
Greatest Generation made our world a better place because they fought 
for what was right, and it is right for us to show them our gratitude 
at every opportunity.
  Our men and women in uniform have always stood ready to defend 
liberty, and for that we owe them an eternal debt of gratitude. I am 
deeply moved by Emerald Coast Honor Flight's efforts to convey to these 
veterans the knowledge that their service will be long remembered and 
appreciated.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like 
to recognize the efforts of all who worked toward making this inaugural 
flight possible. The goal of Emerald Coast Honor Flight is noble and 
commendable, and I look forward to many more flights being made by this 
organization.

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