[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6894]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         THANKING OUR VETERANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Dold) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DOLD. This Memorial Day we will take time to remember those who 
have given their lives to keep our Nation safe and free. So many brave 
men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we can 
enjoy the very freedoms and liberties that we all enjoy today. I want 
to thank all of those who are currently serving, those who have served, 
and their families for putting our Nation first. America is a stronger 
and better Nation because of your sacrifice and service.
  Recently, veterans from Illinois came to Washington, D.C., and it was 
truly an honor and pleasure to meet the Illinois Honor Flight at the 
World War II Memorial, not only to hear their stories, but to have an 
opportunity to talk with these true heroes and learn more about their 
friends, those who made it back and those who didn't. The heroic 
efforts of the men and women of World War II--and I would argue from 
all of our conflicts--helped keep our Nation safe and away from harm's 
way. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for our country.
  Last month, I had the privilege of presenting two veterans from 
Illinois's 10th Congressional District with their medals that had not 
been presented. These men served their country with distinction and 
deserve the medals that they have earned.
  George Ott, from Arlington Heights, served as an Air Force staff 
sergeant in the 6th Aircraft Repair Unit during World War II. He served 
from 1944 to 1946, serving in the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, 
and Japan. I was able to present him with the World War II Victory 
Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Army Good Conduct 
Medal.
  Thomas Vana, of Des Plaines, was another veteran I was able to serve 
and present medals. He served as a sergeant in the 2nd Infantry 
Division during the Korean War. He served as an Active Duty medic from 
1970 to 1974. I was able to present him with the Army Good Conduct 
Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal.
  Beyond working directly with veterans, Mr. Speaker, to ensure they 
receive the recognition that they have earned, my office is also 
working with veterans to document their stories. The Veterans History 
Project is an ongoing effort by the Library of Congress to collect 
stories and photos to learn more about those who have served in battle 
and conflict not only at home, but overseas. My office is open to 
anyone who would like to document their story and share their 
experiences with the American public. It's important that we preserve 
these records, Mr. Speaker, so that future generations know the 
sacrifices that our men and women in the military have made. I would 
encourage anyone from the 10th District in Illinois who has served to 
call the Northbrook office at (847) 272-0404 and share your story so 
that we can preserve it for years and years to come.
  I want to thank all those who have served, those that are serving 
currently, and those that have given their lives to protect our 
country. This Memorial Day I believe that we must honor those who have 
fallen and never forget the sacrifices that they have made to make sure 
that our country remains safe and free.

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