Political Quotes

“when future generations search for ``lessons learned'' from America's 18th, 19th and 20th century military experiences, they no doubt will be accessible through dusty texts, dated documentary videos, or long-forgotten Congressional transcripts. I am concerned, however, that these lessons will not carry forward into the next century as an enduring reminder of the true costs, and the true benefits, of waging wars, on behalf of freedom and democracy. Increasingly, we have seen the gap between the military, and the rest of society, widen. Early in the next century, for example, we expect that less than four percent of the population will be veterans, down from over 11 percent in 1980. This means that fewer and fewer civilians will have a personal understanding of the military, making it more and more difficult to pass on to successive generations, one of our most powerful military assets--our experience. How then do we ensure that we don't ``repeat'' our past mistakes--and that we build on our past successes? Mr. President, I am joined by Senators Hutchison, of Texas, Kerrey of Nebraska, Hagel, Reed of Rhode Island, Smith of New Hampshire, Cleland, Abraham, and Hutchinson of Arkansas in introducing the National Military Museum Act. It will teach visitors about each of the major wars in which America has fought. Finally, it will help build pride, in our military, and the nation.”