Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I join with many of my colleagues today to honor and give thanks to America's minority veterans, the soldiers and sailors and men and women of our armed forces and, of course, my fellow Marines. More of the world is free today than ever before, thanks in no small part for their valor and sacrifice half a century ago. We sometimes do not remember that World War II was before the armed forces were desegregated and that process really took us solidly to Vietnam. So there were many years in which the men and women of the armed forces did not serve together on an integrated basis and did not get really the breaks perhaps that the majority of Americans have received throughout the time of this desegregation. As I said, more of the world is free now because of their efforts. It is altogether fitting and appropriate that this valor and sacrifice of a half a century ago be commemorated on May 25, 2000. I particularly commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), for her leadership on this issue. I thank her for the well-deserved recognition which the Day of Honor 2000 will provide America's minority veterans with the respect that they deserve.”