Brian Jones: “This year is the 100th anniversary of World War I. April 6 of 1917 was the beginning of it all, when Congress voted to…”

“This year is the 100th anniversary of World War I. April 6 of 1917 was the beginning of it all, when Congress voted to authorize military force. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced a resolution, H. Con. Res. 41, that will not only remember World War I, but also honor those veterans who served. While those brave people are no longer with us, we must never forget those who defended and protected freedom. Many of us in Congress, as well as citizens all over this country, are relatives of World War I veterans. Many like myself had a grandparent who fought for this Nation. Many lost their relatives to this war, while many relatives returned from war forever changed. Over 116,000 were killed, over 200,000 wounded, and over 70,000 suffered the effects of inhaling chlorine gas dispelled by German military. My grandfather was one of the 70,000, and he, like many, could not cope with the effects of gas-damaged lungs and the psychological burden of war. At the age of 34 in 1926, he committed suicide. My father, an only child, was only 13. I am not unique in this situation, as many families tragically suffered the same fate. That is why we must continue to remember and honor World War I veterans and their families. I want to thank Colonel Charles Bowery, Jr., executive director, U.S. Army Center of Military History, and his staff for the many months of work organizing this national remembrance.…”