On the recordMarch 4, 2020
Madam President, this month is Iowa History Month. For Iowa History Month, I will probably give a few 1-minute speeches about the history of Iowa, but today I want to recognize the role Iowa's veterans have played in our history. For instance, in the Civil War, Iowa sent over 75,000 soldiers to fight for the Union--the most per capita of any State. I have been saying ``the most per capita of any State'' because I thought that was the history, but I have heard other States also say the same thing for their States, so I want to be intellectually honest. But I am still proud of those 75,000 Iowans who fought for the Union. Iowa has kept that tradition of service, and I often have the pleasure of meeting our veterans. Yesterday, I met an Iowa delegation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I participate in the Library of Congress project called the Veterans History Project. Accordingly, I have had the honor of helping preserve 31 interviews with Iowa veterans as part of the Veterans History Project. That has taken place over just the last 2 years, preserving the oral history of these Iowa veterans. So the Iowa Veterans History Project will have their stories for future generations to ensure that the service and the sacrifices of these Iowans are never forgotten. I yield the floor. ____________________





