Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I rise today to honor members of ``the greatest generation''--those men and women who were at Pearl Harbor on the…”

“I rise today to honor members of ``the greatest generation''--those men and women who were at Pearl Harbor on the infamous day of December 7, 1941. Those who followed coined this nickname we all widely recognize, for the men and women who fought in the Second World War did not think they were committing acts of heroism, they only believed they were doing what was right by serving our Nation. The generation of men and women, who survived the Second World War, epitomize the characteristics we all, as Americans, hold in such high esteem. As children of the Depression, these men and women grew up knowing the meaning of sacrifice. And during the war, they readily went without luxuries, ready to give up whatever it took to help in the war effort. These men and women are also some of the bravest that our Nation has ever seen. For they gave more than just material goods to the war effort: they offered their husbands, their sons, their brothers, their fathers, and themselves. Without hesitation they enlisted to help our Nation fight the good fight, to rid the world from cruel and aggressive tyrants, and to secure the freedom and liberty on which our Nation was founded. It was 60 years ago that these men and women unselfishly risked their lives to begin the defense of our country and to fight for freedom in the world. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 gave Americans a glimpse into the tragedy that the men and women of Pearl Harbor survived.”