Ron Kind: “I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I was an original cosponsor with my good…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I was an original cosponsor with my good friend and colleague, Mr. Steube from Florida, of H.R. 1029, the Free Veterans from Fees Act. H.R. 1029 would waive application fees for special use permits for Honor Flights and Gold Star Family events and other veterans demonstrations and special events at our Nation's war memorials. It is the right thing to do, to try to reduce the cost for a lot of these important commemorative occasions happening right here in our Nation's Capital. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of being able to attend many of the Freedom Honor Flights that emanated from my hometown in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They are joyous occasions, with much celebration honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans, celebrating their achievements, but more importantly, allowing them, many for the very last time, to be able to hop on a plane, come to Washington, and pay their respects at the memorials of conflicts that they were involved in and for the fallen comrades who didn't come home. Oftentimes, on the way home--I know this is true for our La Crosse Honor Flights--there is a mail call where the relatives of these veterans, family members, write letters of thanks to them as they are coming home. When they arrive, it is a huge celebration of music and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. It is a great thing to behold.…”