Establishing A National Veterans Cemetery on the South Plains of West Texas

Floor Speech

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Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the effort to establish a national veterans cemetery on the south plains of west Texas.

Dating back to the Civil War, the 147 national cemeteries across America are a powerful way to honor those who have gone before us who wore the uniform of the United States and remind us every day of the 1 percent of Americans who were willing to sacrifice everything in defense of our freedom and security.

For some, they serve as what President Lincoln called ``a final resting place for those who gave their lives that our Nation might live.''

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with several distinguished veterans who have made it their mission to see this vision become a reality.

Among them were four generals, who have chosen to reside in a little slice of heaven that Chairman Mike Conaway and I call west Texas. I am so honored that they are with us here today in the gallery.

General Edgar Murphy was the commanding general of the 49th Armored Division of the Army National Guard for the State of Texas. In his distinguished 42-year military career, he was awarded numerous medals, including the Legion of Merit. Today the Armed Forces Guard and Reserve Center in Lubbock is named in General Murphy's honor.

General Anne Sobel is a former major general in the Arizona Air National Guard who served as the first female homeland security director for the State of New Mexico. Today she continues by serving and teaching at my alma mater, Texas Tech University.

Brigadier General Gary Harber is a veteran with 42 years of service and a master army aviator. General Harber also served as the NATO northern regional wartime construction manager and commander from 1989 to 1995, responsible for the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark.

Last but certainly not least is my good friend Lieutenant General Bernie Mittemeyer. General Mittemeyer served 28 years in the U.S. Army, earning numerous awards and decorations. He served as our Surgeon General of the Army from 1981 until his retirement in 1985, and he also served as commanding general of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent over 40,000 veterans in my district and rural America. If you take into consideration eastern New Mexico that this national cemetery would serve, it is over 70,000 veterans.

We must ensure that the commitment we make to our veterans isn't reserved only for those veterans living in population centers, whether it is long-term care, services for the disabled, or respect that is owed our honored dead. We must never forget all veterans, including those living in rural parts of our country.

Madam Speaker, no group of Americans believes more adamantly in the importance of a strong defense and the mission of our military to keep us safe and free than the good people of west Texas.

Their duty was to serve. Our duty is to remember them. One of the best ways we can do that is by giving them a hero's burial in a national cemetery.

God bless our veterans. And go west Texas.

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