Political Quotes

“today I rise to continue an effort to honor the memory of the 198 North Dakotans who died while serving our country in Vietnam. As I have said in the past, we are in a period of 13 years of recognition of the sacrifices of those Vietnam vets based on a proclamation signed by the President. I think it is only appropriate that we recognize not only those who were killed in action but also our living Vietnam vets who add so strongly to the fabric of our society and our culture. First, I would like to recognize a Vietnam veteran who is making a difference each and every day, my good friend Rick Olek. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He spent 20 years in the National Guard and over 30 years as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. He served on North Dakota's Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs and as president of the North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council. Today, he grills a top-notch steak at the AMVETS. I also want to again thank the Bismarck High School 11th graders and their teachers for helping me to research these fallen heroes and to reach out to their families. These students contacted the family of George Valker III as part of their project and shared their research with my office. I know that this experience for these students has enriched not only my efforts here but enriched their lives as well.…”