Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions S. 766

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
PAGE S4705
April 2, 2003

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself and Mr. MILLER):

    S. 766. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Jacksonville, Florida, metropolitan area; to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

    Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, it is a central element of our national character to pay solemn tribute to the service of those who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces and placed themselves in harm's way to defend our freedom and way of life. We raise monuments to the deeds of our great wartime leaders as well as the countless, often nameless heroes of those battles fought throughout our history. We also set aside special days to remember the sacrifice of generations of Americans who have stepped forward in America's defense.

    This Nation also sets aside special places, hallowed ground, where we lay to rest those who have served us in our hour of greatest need. Our National Cemetery system is not only hallowed ground, National Cemeteries are monuments to military service, the places where we go on those special days to pay tribute to the sacrifice of so many in our history. National Cemeteries remind us of where we have been as a Nation, and inspires future generations to uphold the legacy of our veterans' devotion and sacrifice.

    Today I offer legislation to establish a National Cemetery near Jacksonville, Florida to meet the needs of thousands of veterans who have chosen to live out their lives in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Florida's veteran population is the second largest in the Nation. Right now in Northern Florida and Southern Georgia, there are nearly half-a-million veterans. Florida has the Nation's oldest veteran population and one of the largest remaining populations of World War II veterans. We are all aware that this greatest of generations is passing away at higher and higher rates.

    Unfortunately for these hundreds of thousands of veterans in Florida and Georgia, the nearest National Cemetery is located in Bushnell, FL, which is a three-hour drive from Jacksonville. The National Cemetery in St. Augustine is full and closed. The nearest National Cemetery in Georgia is in Marietta just north of Atlanta.

    Our veterans have defended our country in her days of peril, and certainly deserve to rest in honored respect in a National Cemetery. To meet our obligations to the veterans of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, we must act now, in order to have this facility established by 2006 when our World War II veterans' deaths are expected to reach their peak.

    I am proud to sponsor this important bill, and look forward to the support of my colleagues as we provide for our veterans who have given so much for our country.

    I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.