Press Release

Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3^rd Dist.-Texas) released the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day 2011.  A former Prisoner of War in Vietnam for nearly seven years, more than half of that time in solitary confinement, Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.

*For a photo of Johnson stuffing a care package for the troops overseas with the USO in advance of Memorial Day, contact McCall Avery or Haley Creel.

“This Memorial Day we not only look back on those who have served and sacrificed in past battles, we also honor our armed forces still in Iraq and Afghanistan, and around the world.

“Our nation is free today because of the selfless sacrifices that thousands of Americans have made in the line of duty – many right here in our community.  These men and women are shining examples of the will, determination and spirit of the American people. 

“This Memorial Day, to preserve the legacy of freedom for generations to come, I encourage people to nominate Third District veterans for the Congressional Veteran Commendation.  This accolade is one more way for our community to pay tribute and recognize the valor and service of our hometown heroes and combat veterans.  If we want to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave, then we must always remember that freedom is not free.”

The Congressional Veteran Commendation

The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, is a nominations-based program designed to formally recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of residents of the Third Congressional District.  Anyone interested in nominating a deserving veteran for this honor should visit Johnson’s website, www.samjohnson.house.gov, to download a nomination form found under “Issues,” then “Veterans.”

To be eligible, veterans must currently reside in the Third Congressional District.  Nominees must have served as active duty military personnel or been reservists called to active duty.  They also must be retired or honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces. 

Anyone may serve as a nominator and may nominate as many veterans as desired.  Complete nomination packets should be mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered to Johnson’s local office no later than Friday, September 16, 2011.  Please see the nomination form or call (972) 470-0892 for additional details.  Johnson publicly will recognize CVC recipients during a special ceremony in November.