Dreier Pays Tribute to America’s Veterans

November 11, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, expressed his gratitude today to all of America’s veterans, especially those in the San Gabriel Valley who participated recently in the Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project is being sponsored by the Library of Congress and is an effort to gather the personal recollections of living veterans from all wars.

“As our soldiers and Marines continue the battle to bring freedom and democracy to the people of Iraq, today is an especially poignant Veterans Day,” Dreier said. “The men and women who have served our country and the cause of freedom deserve every American’s thanks today, and every day. I hope that we will all pause and reflect today on the tremendous gift these men and women have given us, as well as countless citizens of the world. It is often said that ‘freedom is not free.’ Today we honor those who have made, and continue to make, sacrifices for freedom.”

Dreier recently met with several local veterans who took part in the Veterans History Project by telling their personal stories about their experiences in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Men and women participated in the project, which collected over 100 stories locally. The interviews are being sent today to the Library of Congress for their inclusion in a national collection of veterans’ personal accounts of wartime.

“It was a distinct honor and pleasure to meet with our local veterans and their families,” Dreier said. “I am so pleased our office got such a terrific response from the community when the word was put out - we want to hear your stories. The interviews they gave provide a unique window into the sacrifices necessary to keep our country free and make our world safer for all people. Each of these men and women have made tremendous contributions to American history. We thank them for their sacrifices, and for telling us about their experiences. Our country is forever indebted to them.”

For more information on the Veterans History Project, please visit the Library of Congress online at www.loc.gov.