[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

PEARL HARBOR '41, BOSNIA '95

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HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Thursday, February 29, 1996

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I commend to my colleagues an excellent
editorial which appeared in the January issue of the Township of
Hamilton Veterans Bulletin. As our Nation embarks on yet another
military mission overseas, we should all keep the following points in
mind.

Pearl Harbor '41, Bosnia '95

(By John Hein)

This is the last of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of
World War II and the 54th remembrance of Pearl Harbor.
December 7, 1941, is a day etched in my politically incorrect
memory with the hope that this day will forever live in
infamy.
Veterans are often guilty of tell the adventures of the war
as the fun of youth. Our minds forbid us to recall we were
bit players in massive tableaus of horror. Let's tell our
children and grandchildren that our war stories are not grand
heroic adventures.
Accordingly, I take this opportunity to warn of this
nation's neglect of three bitter history lessons. They are:
Our failure to prepare, our nation's unity during WWII, and
our responsibilities after WWII. Today, we teeter on the
brink of a similar disastrous day. We plan to risk the blood
of our sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters for
peace in Bosnia?
First, in WWII and Korea, unprepared we sacrificed young
people to buy time. Pearl Harbor and Bataan were such
sacrifices. Unprepared heroes saved the Pusan perimeter. Our
WWII bazookas were no match for North Korea's tanks. In
Vietnam our troops had to fight a new type of war. Since
Generals prepare for the last war, have we trained our armed
forces for peacekeeping and nation building? I shudder when
young men shout happily when told they will create peace by
force of arms. Peace by standing between armed forces while
arming one at the expense of the other. I doubt these young
men are ready for the realities of war.
Second, before we go to war, our forces in the field need
our resources, and our government. However, even more, they
need the hearts of their countrymen. War is not a television
side show. It involves life and death for real people with
feelings and families. We must not permit the spin doctors,
or the Jane Fondas, to shift the blame for Bosnia's war to
the warriors.
However, this media shift has begun. A recent Brinkley show
(Ms. Roberts) and a CNN & Company guest stated, ``Since this
is an all volunteer army, what's wrong in letting them
fight?'' I'll tell you. Today, our voluntary armed services
consist of those who joined for education benefits, to learn
leadership or to learn work skills, and patriots, they are
our best, our brightest and our bravest. The sons and
daughters of those who can afford these benefits without
joining the services are not part of today's armed, volunteer
services. Thus, the ``talking heads'' advocate putting those
``volunteers'' in harm's way. Our service people are your, or
your neighbor's, sons and daughters. Remember, those who
would dodge a draft won't protest for those who go to
Bosnia.
Further, isn't our government's prime duty to ``provide for
the common defense?'' Does the military oath permit our
nation's defenders to act as mercanaries? Our Constitution
doesn't say we will send our troops to enforce ``peace'' or
build new nations. If we want a mercenary army, let's change
their oath. Let's drop the part that says to uphold and
defend the Constitution of the United States.
After Bosnia, will this nation have a future? Who, in their
right mind, would counsel their sons and daughters to enter
such a military service? Who will protect our country when
our government wastes our sons and daughters so recklessly?
When they use their blood trying to build foreign nations and
keep the peace in foreign lands by force of arms.
The U.N. has had 39 peacekeeping operations that involved
fatalities. The U.S. is in 3 of the 13 still operating. Were
Somalia or Haiti successful uses or our military, or money?
Do you remember the 263 Marines in Beirut? Was Iraq worth the
risk?
Third, after any war, as a nation we must know the cost and
should honor our debts. After WWII, we funded the Marshall
Plan--aid to the nations suffering the ravages of war. This
was not intervention in their affairs. That should be the
model for aiding foreign nations--not the misuse of our sons
and daughters for armed intervention as mercenaries.
But, after any war we have a higher debt, a debt to our own
people. War doesn't end when the shooting stops. Those
crippled or wounded continue to pay the price. PTSD, Agent
Orange, and now the Gulf War Syndrome affects the veterans of
our wars. They are our wounded just as if they were maimed by
shells or bullets. Some wives and children of Vietnam, and
the families of the over 51,000 Gulf War veterans with the
syndrome, have the same problems as the veterans. These
people are not getting help today.
We bought our freedoms with those shattered lives . . . we
are forever in their debt. It is a duty yours and mine, to
see that the VA system functions properly. Congress must find
honorable places to care for all who suffer for us.
Thus, we go to Bosnia, as we have gone to other recent
battlefields. We go without a patriotic cause, without a
national interest, and without an economic interest. Our
government forgot these three terrible lessons: A united
cause--Bosnia is not such a cause; preparation--these troops
don't know what perils they face; and without aftermath
responsibility--we will again turn our backs on those who
suffer for us.

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