Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to remember an Oregon hero. CMSgt Arden Hassenger was a 29-year-old from Lebanon, OR, when he and five other airmen set out on Christmas Eve 1965 on a reconnaissance trip over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Tragically, they never returned. What was even more tragic for Hassenger's friends and family, though, was that the plane could not be found. His wife and children lived in uncertainty for decades, not knowing whether Arden had been killed that day or whether he was alive in Laos. Finally, the crash site was located, and in 2010 and 2011, remains of the missing men were at last recovered. Last year, they were buried with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery. This Sunday, Arden's ultimate sacrifice for our Nation will be honored once again at the Vietnam Memorial. The cross next to his name, which signified his status as missing in action, will be changed to a diamond, representing that he has returned home to rest after these many years. I hope that this final act of remembrance will help to bring closure to his family and all who loved him. We honor Chief Master Sergeant Hassenger, and we thank him and his family for the tremendous sacrifice and service they have given to our Nation. ____________________”