Date: 2010-11-30
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1622. "Honoring the historic contributions of veterans throughout all conflicts involving the United States." I would like to begin by thanking my colleague. Representative BACA. for introducing this resolution to the House. as honoring those who have fought for our Nation should remain a priority. I urge my colleagues to also support this resolution. which recognizes that our great Nation stands strong today because of the dedication and sacrifice of American veterans. The United States is surely indebted to the veterans of every conflict. who have made great sacrifices for themselves and their families in defense of our national security. Our freedom is intertwined with the sacrifices of our veterans. whose devotion to our way of life is unparalleled. I am privileged to officially honor their sacrifices and the role they play in our Nation. Every Veterans Day. Americans come together to remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. Their sacrifices and those of their families are freedoms foundation. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers. sailors. airmen. marines and Coast Guardsmen and their families. our country would not live so freely. This resolution not only solidifies the importance of Veterans Day. but also extends the importance of support for veterans throughout the year. In observing Veterans Day. the people of the United States must also encourage the education of our youth on how those dedicated individuals have contributed to the United States history and todays society. We must continue the tradition of honoring those who have served for the greatest causes. freedom. democracy. and justice. their commitment to the United States at home and abroad should never be forgotten. I am truly proud to rise in support of the recognition of the courage. service. and sacrifice of all United States veterans. We recognize and honor the veterans of the Armed Forces not only of today. but also of years past. who have sacrificed their lives for our great Nation. House Resolution 1622 recognizes the historic contributions of the United States veterans in the involvement of the Revolutionary War. War of 1812. Eastern Indian Wars. Mexican War. Civil War. Western Indian Wars. SpanishAmerican War. World War I. World War II. Korean War. Vietnam Conflict. Lebanon crisis of 1958. Persian Gulf War. Operation Enduring Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom. among other conflicts. This resolution reaffirms our countrys utmost respect and pride for our service people who have contributed to the shaping of the United States history and our current place in the world today. This resolution expresses our deepest gratitude to United States Armed Forces veterans throughout history who have committed and sacrificed their lives to serve their country and its dedication to democracy. Currently. our Nation has 3 million troops and reservists. and 23 million veterans. who deserve the greatest respect from their fellow citizens. Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. and we must ensure that this legacy continues in the future.