Political Quotes

“Today, I rise to mark a major milestone for an important installation in the State of South Dakota. This year is the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base. It is a privilege to stand here today on the House floor and honor the thousands of airmen who have been stationed at Ellsworth. I would like to personally thank every single man and woman who has served our Nation and the people of South Dakota at this base. Ellsworth has played an important role in this country and in our Nation's military since World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor sent our country into one of the most destructive wars that the world has ever known. Our country needed a large and immediate force to fight a two-front war--one in the Pacific theater and another one in Europe. Thousands of young men and women rushed into the military, and in response, our Nation built many new bases to accommodate the growing number of soldiers. In 1942, a small Army base was established near Rapid City, outside Box Elder, South Dakota. Its original purpose was to train the crews of the Boeing B 17 Flying Fortress. Later in the war, the base trained and deployed B 29 Superfortress crews, which were instrumental on the Eastern front. During World War II, the base was so successful that it was changed to permanent status. Yet, sadly, a tragedy struck. While returning from a training mission, an RB 36 Peacemaker aircraft crashed in Newfoundland.…”