September 2, 2010

Buyer Addresses the 92nd National Convention of the American Legion; Thanks Legionnaires for their Service to America and Comments on Service to Veterans

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527

Milwaukee, WI - Yesterday, Steve Buyer (R-IN), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, addressed the delegates of the 92nd National Convention of the American Legion where he praised their work on behalf of America’s veterans.

 

In his opening remarks, Buyer noted his life-long relationship with The American Legion and the United States Army, noting that he will retire from the Army Reserve after 30 years of service.  

 

“I truly am pleased to call all of you not only my comrades, but also fellow Legionnaires,” Buyer said as he recounted his youthful experiences doing the dishes and cleaning tables at the American Legion Post in his home town.  “My brother and I are the proud sons of an Army sergeant.  He did what many have done in this nation of ours….answer the call to service.”

  

Buyer recounted some of his numerous accomplishments on behalf of servicemembers and veterans during his 18 years in Congress including:

 

  • The TRICARE-for-Life Program, which has been lauded as one of the largest expansion in benefits for military retirees ever;
  • The Senior Pharmacy Program for Medicare-Eligible Military Retirees, which is one of the most comprehensive prescription drug benefit plans in history;
  • The Respect for Fallen Heroes Act, which protects families from protestors at military funerals.

 

Speaking of the continuing contributions of the National Guard and Reserves Buyer commented, “I am so proud of the men and women who are the butcher, the baker, the teacher, and the shop foreman who give up their lives and are going back for their third and fourth rotations and they keep going back to serve this great nation.  They are extraordinary.”

 

Turning to today’s war against terror, Buyer strongly disagreed with President Obama’s portrayal of the work to be done in Iraq.

 

“Right now, the President is saying ‘Change in mission….they are no longer combatants.’  Really?  How do think that Spec Four just felt as he stands out there all geared up ready to go out on a patrol and the President just said its not a combat mission?  Those 50,000 troops still in Iraq are in combat support and combat service support…are now infantry….and as long as they are in place Mr. President, they are in harm’s way.”

 

Buyer also commented on a recent Federal Court decision that the Stolen Valor Act is unconstitutional.  The Stolen Valor Act makes it a Federal Crime to make false claims about military awards. 

 

“I turn to the Federal Court and say…have you lost your mind? You just made unconstitutional the Stolen Valor Act? You think it is ok for someone to go ahead and put on medals for valor? The Purple Heart, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star…and then wear them around as if they were a warrior hero? You think this is free speech?  Is this the same Federal Court that thinks it is ok to burn the flag and act like a hero?”

 

In closing, Buyer called upon the Legion and all America to participate in their government.

 

“Americans have a choice in who leads their government.  Plato once said that, ‘Those who do not take an interest in their government are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” 

 

 Buyer also noted that it is a patriot’s duty to pass on the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

 

“As the defenders of freedom….we must be grateful for our physical, spiritual and cultural inheritance because we do not own it outright, we are merely trustees for life.  It is our moral duty and obligation to preserve and pass it along.”

 

“How do you want to define America in world history?  A world superpower, at a little over 200 years young was that of a meter that shined brightly for a moment but moved quickly as it faded across the span of time?

 

“Or, do you want as I believe?  And permit the eyes of your mind to see a greater vision.  I see America as a Nation who had the moral courage to reach deep and revitalize it itself.    I see a Nation who sought the greater understanding to preserve liberty, release the power of the human spirit, and embrace God’s blessing for wise tolerance, good will, and enduring peace.”

 

To view Ranking Member Buyer’s entire remarks to the American Legion Convention please click HERE.

 

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:

 

http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/

 

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