oods of the the soldiers who fought are true patriots. the children of the great depression. they are from the california coast.y are from from the farmlands of the south, the midland, even out of new york city galvanizing the nation to go forward and fight. they are the ones that stood forward and proved in the crucible of combat. despite those grueling conditions that i described, the relentless barrages, continuous attacks of the germans and not knowing if that day would be their last, they had an unwavering clarity of purpose -- , and that was the destruction of fascism. it was a purpose they knew was worthy of their sacrifices. and it was after the war, as they came home, their lives changed forever, their experiences through this endeavor, but they sought neither recognition or praise. instead, they committed themselves to bettering this nation. and it was their instilling of these values and the appreciation for freedom, and it was their children, those who fought in korea and vietnam and the wars from 9/11 forward, it was your actions today, sir, that i will tell you it is your example in the war, that