Town of Hilliard Remembers Our Vietnam Veterans

Floor Speech

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Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, President Calvin Coolidge once said, ``The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.'' His words perfectly encapsulate the importance of remembering our Vietnam War veterans.

I rise today with great honor to recognize the legacy and great sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans through The Wall That Heals, which will be on display in Nassau County, Florida, from April 17th through April 21st at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds.

The Wall That Heals is a half-scale replica of the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., that stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end.

The traveling exhibition will be a unique opportunity for individuals in our community, including the 26,900 Vietnam Veterans who call the Fourth Congressional District of Florida home, to see the names of their loved ones and comrades who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington.

I would like to thank the Town of Hilliard, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10095, and all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to bring this distinct honor to Northeast Florida.

Mr. Speaker, we will never be able to repay our debt to those who have given their last measure of devotion for the spirit of America. But we can continue to do our duty: to remember. May the lives of those who served and were killed during the Vietnam War never be forgotten.

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