Religious Freedom in the Military

Floor Speech

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Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for the opportunity to speak on this very important topic.

Mr. Speaker, a few months ago, I read a report that really bothered me. The story said that Army briefs labeled Evangelical Christians and Catholics as ``extremists.'' That really disturbs me, and it should disturb everyone in this room--in fact, everyone in this country.

We have to remember that the men and women in our Armed Forces represent a microcosm of America. Although they have a variety of beliefs, they work together to defend us. On the battlefield, the enemy doesn't care what you look like or what God you worship. I serve God and country in that order, as did many of my fellow soldiers.

It was the greatest honor of my life to serve my country, first as an infantryman, as you said, and later in the Michigan Army National Guard for more than 20 years. I can say without a doubt that the soldiers I served with represented the best America had to offer. That is still true today as well. Millions of them are Christians. It is wrong and disrespectful to equate those who believe in traditional values with members of a hate group. Our military should grant mutual respect to everyone in the armed services, because that diversity is what makes America great.

Before I close, I would like to remind everyone about that famous prayer that was addressed or mentioned in the gentleman from Texas' speech. A great general said before the soldiers embarked on that great, great battle on D-day:

Good luck. And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

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