John Garamendi: “I grew up in the forties and fifties, and I remember the men and women that came back from the war, some gravely…”

“I grew up in the forties and fifties, and I remember the men and women that came back from the war, some gravely wounded, carrying those wounds the rest of their lives, and some having survived but survived behind enemy lines. This resolution honors those that fought in so many different ways, and particularly those behind enemy lines and were unable to really be recognized for the extraordinary contributions they made to the war effort. And it's perfectly appropriate. What is not appropriate is what our colleagues on the Republican side have done with this debate and with the previous debate. We're honoring our soldiers. We're honoring our men and women that have fought. We will soon be debating the health care issue, and in the appropriate time, we should be taking that up. But to somehow demean, to somehow demean the courage, the resolution, and the extraordinary sacrifice made by these people is just plain wrong. I would ask our colleagues to set it aside. In a few moments we will pick up the health care debate, and then I would be delighted to join you in that debate. But now let's focus on those who have served this country in time of war.”