[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 26455-26456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        MERRILLVILLE ROTARY CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 2, 2009-

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, Wednesday, November 11, 2009, marks the 
observance of Veterans Day, a day in which we, as a grateful nation, 
honor our veterans, who have pledged allegiance to their country 
through their service in the United States military. This day is set 
aside to recognize the boldness and bravery of those who have fought to 
uphold the standards of democracy and to defend the United States of 
America.
  On Veterans Day, in cities and towns across America, proud citizens 
will pay tribute to our esteemed veterans with ceremonies, 
presentations, and programs to show their gratitude to those who have 
sacrificed so much. I would

[[Page 26456]]

like to take this time to recognize one such event hosted by the 
Merrillville, Indiana, Rotary Club. On Veterans Day, the Merrillville 
branch of Rotary International will host an event at the Radisson Hotel 
at Star Plaza in Merrillville, celebrating the patriotism and pride of 
all veterans, while paying special tribute to 11 members of their club 
who served their country in the United States military and continue to 
serve their community as loyal Rotarians.
  Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the Rotary Club of Chicago, Rotary 
International is the world's first service club. A global organization, 
Rotary now boasts more than 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries, with a 
membership of more than 1.2 million. At the core of Rotary 
International is a commitment to ``providing humanitarian service, 
encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations, and helping to 
build goodwill and peace in the world.'' The Merrillville Rotary Club, 
through its commitment to improving educational opportunities for 
students, as well as the active role its members have taken in creating 
youth-oriented programs, is a true source of pride in Northwest 
Indiana, so it is with great pride that I join them in honoring eleven 
members who have selflessly served their country to preserve our 
freedom.
  Please join me in recognizing: Dean Sangalis--Major General, United 
States Marine Corps, Robert Andree--Lieutenant Colonel, United States 
Army, Al Kuchar--Major, United States Army, Tony Fileff--First 
Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, Juan Arroyo--Sergeant, United 
States Air Force, Ray Bryant--Sergeant, United States Army, Jerry 
Bernstein--Sergeant, United States Army, James Keough--First 
Lieutenant, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Gary Maxwell--Petty 
Officer First Class, United States Navy, Ray Snemis--Petty Officer 
Second Class, United States Navy, and Ed Dernule--Petty Officer Third 
Class, United States Navy Reserve.
  The great sacrifice made by these men and all those who have served 
our country has resulted in the freedom and prosperity of our country 
and of countries around the world. I commend these men and all veterans 
who have served this country for their bravery, courage, and undying 
commitment to patriotism and democracy. We will forever be indebted to 
our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they made so that we 
can enjoy our freedom.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other colleagues join me in 
thanking the Merrillville Rotary Club for taking this opportunity to 
honor their veterans and in saluting these 11 men, and all veterans, 
who have fought for our great country.

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