Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, except to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) for this resolution and to thank the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) for sponsoring this resolution. I think it is very, very important that every American family have the opportunity to display a banner such as this resolution endorses, that every American family that does not have a loved one in uniform understands, recognizes, and appreciates those families that do. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first compliment the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) for bringing this important resolution to the floor. Let me share, if I may, Mr. Speaker, an experience I had yesterday. I went out to Bethesda Naval Hospital, and I had the opportunity to visit with seven of the 10 young Marines and one sailor who were injured in the Iraqi war, the Iraqi conflict, and some of them were injured rather severely. I have to tell my colleagues that of the seven I visited, all seven were extremely strong in morale, they backed the purpose of our being in Iraq, and were just proud to be United States Marines. I met some of their families too, and what great American families they were. And these families, I know full well, will display with great pride and affection the Blue Star Banner that we are speaking of, which the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) was good enough to endorse through his resolution. So let us hope that every member of our military's families will display this banner with pride and exhibit the pride of the families I saw yesterday with those injured Marines at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. I am proud of them. I am proud of everyone who wears the American uniform. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, let me compliment the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) for offering this resolution before the Congress, the sense of Congress regarding the Blue Star Banner and the Gold Star. I think this is certainly fitting and proper considering the fact that we today are at war in Iraq, considering the fact that we already have lost American lives in that conflict. I remember as a young boy growing up in my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, and seeing these banners with Blue Stars and some with two Blue Stars and some with Gold Stars, knowing the fact that members of the family, either a sailor or sometimes brothers; or sometimes a soldier would lose his life on the battlefield and the Gold Star would hang in the window of that family's home. And I think it is certainly fitting that we, in our own way, express our sense that this is the right thing to do now, to bring it home to America that these young men and women who literally put their lives on the line should be remembered in such a visible and fine way. Cicero, the great Roman orator, once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues, and this is one way, a small way, be that as it may, to express the gratitude of not just the Congress but of the American people for the young people who risk their lives on the battlefield. So, as a cosponsor of this House concurrent resolution, I support this measure. It is a timely resolution recognizing the importance of Blue Stars and Gold Star banners. The Blue Star Banner actually emerged during the First World War when Army Captain Robert Queissner designed a Blue Star to honor his two sons who were serving on the front lines during that conflict. The patented star soon became the country's unofficial symbol which families used to recognize a child serving in our Armed Forces. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved a recommendation by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child in conflict wear a Gold Star on the traditional black mourning arm-band. Thus began the tradition of covering a Blue Star with a Gold Star when a family lost such a loved one. The Department of Defense has recognized the banner as an official service flag for immediate family members of servicemen and women to display during any period of war or hostilities in which the American Armed Forces are engaged. As I mentioned, when I was a boy growing up in my hometown of Lexington, I still recall those Blue Stars, those banners, hanging in the windows of homes as fathers or mothers, husbands, wives and sons and daughters left to serve our Nation in that Second World War. As men and women were called upon to serve our Nation, the prevalence of the Blue and the Gold Star Banners became a familiar sight wherever we went in my hometown. It was during the Second World War that organizations also displayed the banner to recognize their members who were serving in uniform. Today, Mr. Speaker, as one travels across our wonderful land, one can still find these traditional symbols being proudly displayed. However, while we have more than a million service members in uniform as we speak, the use of the banner has steadily declined and, sadly, this American tradition has faded. Many Americans no longer recognize this banner for the important part it has played in the history of our country, particularly the military history of our country, and yet American men and women are still called upon to defend our freedoms. Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and now Operation Iraqi Freedom are just a few of the conflicts which our Armed Forces have served. This last September, as American forces continued the fight against terrorists, this House of Representatives passed a similar resolution that called upon the President to issue a proclamation in support of the Blue and the Gold Star Banners. As our forces continue to engage in battle in the Middle East, I urge the President to issue a proclamation that calls upon families of service members to display the Blue Star Banner in patriotic support of our loved ones. As our men and women in uniform fight to bring democracy and stability to the people of Iraq, I hope that we will restore this proud tradition. And it is a proud tradition. I urge all Americans to restore the display of a star for their loved ones who are defending the freedoms that this body was founded upon. So it is with pleasure, Mr. Speaker, that I endorse and urge this House of Representatives to pass this resolution and that we have a unanimous vote in favor of the Blue Stars and the Gold Stars to be displayed on the banners in our windows of our homes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 88, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the fine accomplishments of the National Service Organization of Scholastic, which is the largest employer in Jefferson City, MO. Scholastic was rewarded the PR News 2002 Corporate Social Responsibility Award. Scholastic has been awarded this honor due to their ongoing innovation campaigns and ongoing programs. Scholastic was honored in the category of Diversity Communications for its partnership with Lincoln University on sponsorships, scholarships, job internships, and book donations. The company sponsors programs that provide speakers and curriculum literature, and also recognizes outstanding achievement of faculty, staff, and volunteers for local schools. Scholastic also has a long-term commitment to Missouri through their annual summer book donation program, which provides children at more than 150 schools with a donation of three books for each student for summer reading. Scholastic also provides Lincoln University books and materials each month for their children's library. In addition, the company fosters recruitment opportunities and sponsors writing and student awards programs. Many of Scholastic's employees also serve on Lincoln University's advisory board. Mr. Speaker, I know that the National Service Organization of Scholastic should be honored for their commitment to serving their local communities. They can be proud of their accomplishments. I know the Members of the House will join me in congratulating Scholastic for this well deserved award.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Stan Shurmantine, of Lexington, MO, who recently retired from the United States Army Reserves after 28 years. On February 28, 2003, Stan ended an outstanding career in the Army Reserves. Through the years, he has dedicated himself to serving the American people. Currently, Stan serves as the manager of IBS Industries, Inc., in Independence, MO. IBS honored Stan's military service with a reception, which was attended by 250 guests. Stan in addition to his military service, has served his home community of Lexington, where he lives with his wife Marcie. He is a councilman and also serves as mayor pro-tem. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Stan Shurmantine has honored the United States Army Reserves with service for 28 years. As he continues his work at IBS Industries, Inc. and the city of Lexington, I know that the Members of the House will join me in wishing him all the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding men and women of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, who are responsible for the most advanced flying machine in the hands of our armed forces, the B-2 Spirit Bomber. Nearly 3,500 members of the 509th Bomb Wing, operating from both their home base in Missouri and from a forward-deployed location, have kept B-2s in the air around the clock, day and night, since the beginning of our campaign to liberate the people of Iraq. The 509th Bomb Wing started Night One of Operation Iraqi Freedom by launching six B-2s and hitting 92 separate regime, command-and-control, and other high-value targets in downtown Baghdad. This unprecedented feat in aerial history was successfully completed by crews flying 38- hour round-trip sorties. A tremendous effort has gone into training and equipping our great American airmen. They have proven, once again, that the B-2 is the first to fight. In this case, they have been the only bomber thus far that has been put directly in harm's way over Baghdad. The B-2 has demonstrated that it is an invaluable asset to coalition operations. We recognize and thank the members of the 509th Bomb Wing for their sacrifices, both at home and overseas. I know that the members of the famed 509th are also proud and greatly appreciative of the outstanding support they continue to receive from their friends and neighbors in Missouri. On this day and every day, our thoughts and prayers are with all our military members and their families.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I first wish to compliment the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for this resolution and bringing it to the floor. So I rise in support of this resolution, which demands that the Iraqi authorities abide by the principles and obligations of the Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of prisoners of war. Our Nation is at war with Iraq. Service members on both sides of this conflict have been taken prisoners of war. Yet while the United States has held up its obligations under the Geneva Convention, recent news reports from the Middle East suggest that the Iraqi government and its leaders are not following the requirements of international law. Mr. Speaker, I recently saw the Al Jazeera tape that has been played regarding the American prisoners of war and those who were killed. Words cannot express my disgust. The United States has allowed representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross free access to Iraqi prisoners, as required under the Geneva Convention. The Iraqi government so far as not provided any access to American prisoners of war by the Red Cross. The Geneva Convention also requires that prisoners of war not be exposed to fire in combat zone, not be used as human shields and not be held up to public ridicule. The United States has fully complied with all these obligations. It is unknown if the Iraqi government has used its American and British prisoners as human shields or exposed them to fire in the combat zone, but as those of my colleagues have seen the videotape that ran on Al Jazeera TV knows, the Iraqis have permitted American casualties to be filmed and have held up our prisoners to public interrogation and ridicule. This is simply unforgivable. American allies have lost several of their sons and daughters in uniform in this conflict. Our Nation mourns their loss, and the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with their families and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, we must demand needed compliance with the Geneva Convention by the Iraqi authorities. Representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross need to be provided immediate and unfettered access to our prisoners of war. And let there be no misunderstanding, Mr. Speaker. We will give no quarter to those who would blatantly violate the laws of war. They will be held accountable.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, Floyd Spence was a true Southern gentleman, a good friend, a dedicated Congressman, and a champion of a strong national defense. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the Armed Services Committee during his chairmanship, and I found that he always worked for the betterment of our men and women in uniform and of our national security. I miss him very much. About 2 years ago, an overflow crowd gathered in the House Armed Services Committee hearing room for the unveiling of Floyd's portrait as chairman of committee. Often we do not have the chance to let friends know how we feel about them before they are gone, so I am very grateful that we had that evening together to enjoy Floyd's company and let him know how much he meant to us. Floyd Spence began serving his country as an active duty member of the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean conflict. That service continued until the end of his life. Our former chairman understood that our Nation needs a strong national defense, and he worked tirelessly with Members on both sides of the aisle to strengthen our Armed Forces, and to take care of our men and women in uniform and their families. No one spoke out more forcefully on the need to maintain readiness. On rare occasion, we disagreed. But never disagreeably. Our relationship was one of mutual respect based on values which we both learned in small towns named Lexington--one in South Carolina and one in Missouri. During the years Floyd Spence served on the House Armed Services Committee, he blessed us with his leadership; honored us with his friendship; and inspired us with his courage. Floyd Spence was courteous, thoughtful, respectful of others. It was a pleasure for me to serve in Congress with this decent, fair, and honorable man. We are all the richer for his years of dedicated service to the Armed Services Committee, the Congress, the people of South Carolina, and the Nation. It is so fitting that we act to name the post office in Floyd Spence's hometown in his honor.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick). (Ms. KILPATRICK asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Some discussion has been held tonight regarding foreign policy. Let me say my foreign policy. I speak of the valor and the courage and the dedication of young men and young women who are protecting freedom and safety of our country and of the free world, whether they be on the outskirts of Iraq or in Afghanistan or wherever they may be in this world. I hope everyone will see themselves clear to support and vote for this resolution so we can say thanks to those brave souls of America. We have lost some, as was recently said this evening, whose families will grieve, but it is for us to carry on and say thank you. Mr. Speaker, the great Roman orator once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues, and I hope tonight by this vote we can express our gratitude and exhibit that virtue by voting for this resolution.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for his eloquent statement. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy). (Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I mentioned earlier in the evening, this is a solemn moment. I wish I had the eloquence of diction to sway everyone within hearing distance to vote for this resolution. However, in my mind it is one that speaks loudly and clearly about the young men and young women who wear the uniform today, many of whom will be in harm's way very soon. They are all not Active Duty. We have 212,000 National Guard and reservists called up; 26,000 are in the Gulf area. Our hearts and thoughts are with them. Earlier in the evening the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) quoted that famous poem that came out of the First World War, Flanders Fields. Part of that poem reads: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Every generation, it seems, has thrown the torch of freedom to hold it high. The generation today that stands guard for Americans wherever they may be, fighting terrorists or in the Gulf, are the ones that are holding that torch high today. We salute them and thank them. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone in this body to support this resolution. I give a special thanks to the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the chairman, a veteran of the Army, the Vietnam conflict, for his courtesy and help in putting this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. May I inquire of the Chair how many minutes we have remaining on each side?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur). (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor), a distinguished member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell), an Army veteran and distinguished Member of this body.