On the recordApril 25, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 86 Montana World War II veterans who recently made their way to Washington, D.C., as part of the Big Sky Honor Flight. I'm so proud that the Honor Flight program exists, and I'm deeply thankful to all the volunteers that made this possible. As the son of a U.S. Marine, I have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made in service to our Nation. But I was struck by something that one of our Montana World War II vets said while sitting before the World War II monument just this past Monday. He said this: ``At the end of my life, I look around this memorial and I see the power of this Nation.'' It's true. The monuments that line our National Mall do remind us of the strength and perseverance of the United States. But, Mr. Speaker, I look at our veterans and our servicemembers, from the members of the Greatest Generation to the men and women serving our Nation today, and in them I see the power of this Nation, founded in a commitment to freedom and an unwavering dedication to service. ____________________
