Jerry Moran: “a few weeks ago, in November, in communities across our country, our Nation's men and women in uniform were honored on…”

“a few weeks ago, in November, in communities across our country, our Nation's men and women in uniform were honored on Veterans Day for their service to our Nation. I wish to share a story with my colleagues of one exceptional Kansas veteran who is no longer with us but whose story stands as a lasting tribute to the members of our Armed Forces whose courage and sacrifice preserve our freedoms. Father Emil Kapaun was born in Pilsen, KS, in 1916 and served as a Catholic priest in the diocese of Wichita for 4 years before volunteering for the U.S. Army in 1944. During the Korean war, he served as a chaplain for the 8th Calvary Regiment of the First Army Division. His courageous actions in the Korean battlefields saved countless lives as he ran under enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. When Father Kapaun was taken prisoner in 1950, he continued to live out the Army chaplain motto: ``For God and country.'' In the bitter cold of winter, Father Kapaun carried his injured comrades on his back during forced marches through snow and ice, gave away his meager food rations, and cared for the sick who were suffering alongside him in the prison camp. When all else looked hopeless, this simple priest from Kansas rallied his comrades, regardless of their faith, to persevere, until his own death as a prisoner of war in 1951. This good man distinguished himself by laying down his life for the sake of others.…”