Political Quotes

“this bill makes several important changes that will honor our veterans. It rightfully expands eligibility requirements for burial at Arlington Cemetery. It also includes provisions from my bill, the ``Captain Jack Punches Memorial Act'' which honors our veterans who died during the September 11th attacks by allowing them to have both a private grave marker--and--a VA furnished marker to honor their service. This is a benefit already afforded to veterans who died on or after December 27, 2001. I introduced this legislation in honor of Captain Jack Punches, a retired Navy pilot who worked in military intelligence and was at his desk when terrorists crashed a hijacked jet into the building. Punches grew up in Tower Hill, Illinois--and his mother (Ruth Godwin) still resides in Ramsey. Captain Punches was buried in a private cemetery, and his family wanted to have a private marker as well as a VA marker to commemorate his long service to our country. Due to a quirk in the law, Punches did not qualify for a newly enacted benefit that would entitle him to both headstones. This legislation will allow veterans, who like Captain Punches gave their lives during September 11th to be properly honored for their service. I would like to thank Chairman Smith and Chairman Simpson for all of their help with this legislation. I hope that the Senate will act quickly so that this bill will be signed into law by September 11, 2002.”