Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2788, a bill to designate a National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial in Riverside, California. I'm honored to represent the Inland Empire chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, which is the primary sponsor of the memorial.
Last June, I introduced H.R. 2788, which would designate a memorial which is currently under construction at March Field Air Museum as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial. It honors all current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The bill has strong bipartisan support from both the committee and with 48 cosponsors. The legislation is supported by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the China-Burma-India Veterans Association.
I would like to point out language in the bill that specifically states that the designation shall not be construed to require or permit Federal funds to be expended for any purpose related to a national memorial. Funds have been and will continue to be raised through private means for these purposes.
Distinguished Flying Cross recipients have received the prestigious medal for their heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces. There are many people who have played a vital role in the history of military aviation and have received this award. This renowned group includes Captain Charles L. Lindbergh, former President George H.W. Bush, Brigadier General Jimmy Doolittle, General Curtis LeMay, Senator McCain, Jimmy Stewart, and Admiral Jim Stockdale, just to name a few.
The March Air Reserve Base, which hosts the C-17As of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, is adjacent to the location of the memorial at the March Field Air Museum. When completed, visitors will be able to witness active operational air units providing support to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is an appropriate setting that honors the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight.
I would like to thank those who worked tirelessly to make sure this memorial is built and is properly designated in honor of the distinguished aviators that have served this great Nation. In particular, I would like to recognize Jim Chaplin, with the loving support of his wife, Trish, who just recently passed away, who have been instrumental in this effort.
Again, I hope you will join me in supporting the designation of the National Flying Cross Memorial at March Field Air Museum and H.R. 2788.
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