Senator Kerry Has the Support of Veterans

SENATOR KERRY HAS THE SUPPORT OF VETERANS -- (House of Representatives - April 22, 2004)

(Mr. SMITH of Washington asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, throughout this Presidential campaign, we have heard from the Republicans repeatedly that they will not question Senator Kerry's patriotism. We all figured that was an empty promise, but it has been proven true in the well of this House this morning.

Several Republican Members came up and directly called into question Senator Kerry's patriotism based on his objections to the Vietnam War. And beyond that, we have even heard Republicans out on the airwaves questioning his service in Vietnam.

I do feel that there are many more important issues in this campaign that are legitimate to talk about. Senator Kerry has unbelievable support from veterans in this country. All 50 States have veterans for Kerry organizations that are strong and hard-working to support the Senator and, perhaps most tellingly, are the people who served with him in Vietnam. All of those people are supporting Senator Kerry regardless of their political stripes. Many are taking large chunks of personal time to go around and be supportive of him.

His record in Vietnam and his record afterwards should not be questioned, and it is being questioned by the Republicans. I think Senator McCain said it best some time ago when asked about this and asked about Senator Kerry's protest against the war. He said that Senator Kerry's service in Vietnam fighting for our country more than gave him the right to protest the war if he thought it was wrong.

Senator Kerry honorably served this country in Vietnam, volunteered to serve, volunteered for combat duty, and he honorably upheld the traditions of this country when he came home and pursued his personal convictions to oppose the war. We should recognize that service.

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