Message from Senator Lugar

Dear Friends:

Honoring Those Who Served

Private First Class John Amos, of Valparaiso, was killed April 4 in Iraq. He was killed after an improvised explosive device hit his military vehicle in the northern city of Kirkuk. PFC Amos was 22.

PFC Amos was a member of the 1 Battalion, 21 Regiment, 25 Infantry Division based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

I encourage you to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers as they serve bravely in trouble spots around the globe.

Progress Report

As of April 30, 2004, I have collected 3,149
completed interviews to be included in the Veterans History Project.

I have notified 6,697 friends and family members that these interviews have been submitted and will be publicly available.

I am pleased to announce that a new organization has partnered with my office to participate in the Veterans History Project. I extend my appreciation to the following organization:

WFWR, Attica

I welcome this new partner to my team as we continue interviewing Hoosier veterans.

V-E Day: May 8, 1945

May is traditionally a month where, as Americans, we
reflect on the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. I thought it would be appropriate, on the 59th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe, to included a statement President Truman made to announce the defeat of the Axis Powers in Europe.
A Proclamation--The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave.

Much remains to be done. The victory won in the West must now be won in the East.

The whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed. United, the peace-loving nations have demonstrated in the West that their arms are stronger by far than the might of dictators or the tyranny of military cliques that once called us soft and weak.

The power of our peoples to defend themselves against all enemies will be proved in the Pacific war as it has been proved in Europe.

For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to peoples everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to Almighty God, who has strengthened us and given us the victory.

Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer.

And it's exceedingly fitting that is Mother's Day, too.

I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the way of peace.

I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory.

In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

World War II Memorial Dedication

On May 29, a national memorial to honor World War II veterans will be dedicated in Washington D.C. It is a fitting tribute to the more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II. Currently, there are approximately 4 million World War II veterans still living.

The National World War II Memorial will be dedicated May 29. Dedication festivities will begin May 27. -- Mark Wilson / Getty Images, taken from the Indianapolis Star.

I wanted to give a brief description of this memorial for those who are unable to attend the dedication. The following information was taken from a recent Associated Press article announcing the completion of the monument.

The memorial also includes:

Highlights

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.- Indianapolis Section recently completed interviews to be included in the Veterans History Project. I appreciate the assistance of Council President Rosalynn Shropshire West.

South Adams High School submitted materials to be sent to the Library of Congress.

The Sullivan County Public Library once again completed interviews for the Veterans History Project. Librarian Becky Cole also was helpful in promoting the Veterans History Project at the Indiana Library Federation Conference. Kathryn Lerch, of Park Tudor, also participated in the conference.

Bellmont High School recently submitted materials to be included in the Veterans History Project.

The Berne Public Library completed additional interviews to be sent to the Library of Congress.

Sergeant Major Bob Brown (ret), VFW Commander of Rushville Post 1541 recently organized a very successful day of interviews for my staff in Rush County. I appreciate his interest and tremendous efforts involving veterans of Rush County in this important project.

Elizabeth Bond-Petro, of Columbus, submitted interviews with several Columbus area veterans to be sent to the Library of Congress.

Rebecca Wood, of North Vernon, completed additional interviews to be included in the Veterans History Project.

North Putnam High School, led by history teacher Tom Roach, completed interviews for the second year.

Stewart McDonnell, of Michigan City, submitted additional interviews to be included in the Veterans History Project.

Patricia Cronin, of the Friends of the Gary Public Library, recently completed an interview to be sent to the Library of Congress.

Once again, I would like to thank all of my official partners for their efforts on the Veterans History Project. Together, we are making a meaningful contribution to our nation’s history.

If you would like to become an official partner, or would like more information on the Veterans History Project, please contact Emmy Huffman of my staff. You can reach her at (317) 226-5555 or via email at emmy_huffman@lugar.senate.gov.

Selected Veterans Stories

Recently, Mr. Earl Rayhel of Terre Haute shared his personal memories of World War II with Lane Ralph of my staff. I would like to share a brief summary of his heroic experiences with you.

Earl Rayhel enlisted in the United States Army to avoid being drafted. He served with Company A, 19th Ordnance Battalion, First Armored Division from September 14, 1940 to March 17, 1946, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He was stationed in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. (In fact, his brother Virgil Rayhel was killed near Pearl Harbor). After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese focused their attack on the Philippine Islands. On April 12, 1942 General King surrendered to the advancing Japanese troops after holding out for three months.

Mr. Rayhel, along with 76,000 American and Filipino Prisoners of War were forced to march some 90 miles in what has become known as the Bataan Death March.

For six days, the POWs advanced towards Camp O’Donnell where they were to be held under the most difficult of circumstances. Many were bound, beaten, or killed by their captors. Only 56,000 POWs survived the march. Many died later in captivity.

“On the Death March, you’d see anything. Bodies of dead littered the path of the march, beaten, stabbed or starved to death,” Rayhel described.

He was held prisoner for three and a half years until his camp was liberated by the Russians.

He returned home and married his long time girlfriend, Della, on November 16, 1945.

I hope you enjoyed this Veterans History Project Update. Best Wishes!