One of the most moving aspects of my role as a U.S. Congressman is honoring the thousands of men and women in our district who have served our country in the Armed Forces of the United States.

All of them have important stories to tell about what it takes to keep us free.

There are also veterans like Mr. Melvin Page of Harriman, Tenn., whose story of unbelievable courage, strength and patriotism should be heard by as many people as possible.

Mr. Page's experiences are a powerful reminder of the saying that "freedom is NOT free."

Here is Mr. Page's story that I placed into the Congressional Record on Sept. 20.

MR.WAMP. Mr. Speaker, In some ways Melvin Page and his colleagues in honor and arms may be the bravest Americans. They fought a long and difficult war against a brutal and ferocious enemy. But - unlike the brave Americans who fought all our other wars - Melvin Page and his fellow Vietnam veterans had to fight a war that not all Americans supported. Even if Melvin Page and his comrades were "the bravest of the brave" - and they were - the civilian leadership that got us into Vietnam badly failed the men and women it sent there.

Those leaders never gave our brave soldiers the unconditional backing and the clear goals needed to win.

But, despite all those impediments, Melvin Page and the others who fought in that conflict can always hold their heads proudly and high because of the extreme sacrifices they made in defense of freedom.

That's why I was especially honored to take part in Melvin Page Day in Harriman, Tenn., in the Third District on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000. When you look at the story of Melvin Page?s brave service, it's hard to imagine anyone who could more deserve the honors he received from his fellow citizens. Melvin served in the Unites States Army from 1967 to 1969 when the Vietnam War was at its height. He showed his true courage and suffered enormously during a battle in which he and 43 other men were ambushed by more than 1,000 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. In an attempt to save as many of his comrades as possible, Sgt. Page called in napalm air strikes on his own position. He was hit three times by rifle shots, struck by a grenade and was grievously burned. He was one of the very few people in his command to survive the attack. Rescuers arrived just in time to save his life; and in fact, Melvin Page was so badly injured that the recovery team thought that he had died and placed him in a body bag. It was only when his hand moved that the rescuers realized that he was alive.

He had to undergo numerous operations and extensive rehabilitation to recover from the severe burns and other injuries he suffered. After Melvin Page left the Army, he became a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service back home in Harriman, where he has worked faithfully for 30 years.

Melvin Page's heroism and sacrifice has been recognized by the numerous medals and awards he has received, including the Bronze Star with V Device, three Purple Hearts, Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, U.S. Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Jump Badge, Ranger Tab and Expert Marksman badge for pistol, rifle and machine gun.

But, as impressive as this list is, it cannot begin to convey the heroism and sacrifice that marked Melvin Page?s Army service. Mr. Page, as you complete 33 years of loyal and dedicated services to the United States in war and peace, please accept the congratulations, best wishes and heart-felt thanks of a grateful nation.