Date: 2011-09-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of S. Con. Res. 28. the concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to award the Congressional Gold Medal. collectively. to the 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the Military Intelligence Service. United States Army. in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. This resolution awards well deserved recognition and the honor of the Congressional Gold Medal to the brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to service during World War II. Emancipation Hall. located in the Capitol Visitor Center is a fitting location for recognizing these courageous patriots. in Emancipation Hall there stands a replica of the Statue of Freedom. the statue that sits atop the Capitol dome. The Statue of Freedom is described by Thomas Crawford. its creator. as an allegorical figure of freedom. "triumphant in both war and peace." Triumphant in both war and peace. I can think of no place more appropriate to honor the brave men of the 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the Military Intelligence Service. They chose to enter into military service. made a commitment to this country and to each other. fought for freedom. and were triumphant in war and peace. The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by Congress for outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security. prosperity. and national interest of the United States. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award. The men and women of the Armed Forces. past and present. devote their lives to the security. prosperity and national interest of the United States. It is a great honor and privilege to be able to recognize the 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the Military Intelligence Service. United States Army. for their dedicated service during World War II. In 1944. the 100th battalion and the 442nd battalion merged to fight against Germany and defend freedom and democracy in Europe. Among the members of these battalions were many Hawaiians and Japanese Americans. Mr. Speaker. these are exemplary examples of bravery and the extraordinary measure of these men. who rose to meet a challenge and answered a call to defend the Nation. Their courage showed the world. and shows us today. that as a nation. our capacity to overcome may well be limitless. The men of the Armed Forces in World War II fought to defend the very ideals on which our Nation was founded. The 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the MilitaryIntelligence Service risked their lives to defend that which Americans cherish. liberty. democracy. and the basic freedoms of the Constitution. They gave this Nation more than their support. they gave it their strength. and some gave their lives. in what Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion." Mr. Speaker. the 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the Military Intelligence Service deserve this honor. as they deserve our respect. our admiration. and our enduring gratitude. Their legacy of selfless patriotism lives on today. and serves as an example for all Americans. I am proud to support S. Con. Res. 28. a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to award the Congressional Gold Medal. collectively. to the 100th Infantry Battalion. 442nd Regimental Combat Team. and the Military Intelligence Service. United States Army. in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting this very worthy resolution.