Skelton visits Nevada

Monday, September 6, 2004
U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton relates a story to a group of Vernon County fourth graders during Missouri History Day on Thursday.

Nevada Daily Mail

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, Mo.-D, spent a few hours in Nevada on Thursday, first talking with area fourth graders as part of Missouri History Day.

Skelton recounted events of his own history to the fourth graders and gave them a few words of advice, noting that great leaders learn much from history. Skelton, whose family tree branches stretch out to include Daniel Boone, also found he had that in common with one of the re-enactors at the event.

Later, Skelton spoke to a crowd of about 60 at the Nevada Rotary Club -- this time, on a far more serious subject -- the war on terror, and the war in Iraq, which he described as two wars.

"It'd be great to talk about these kids, and the fun they were having today, but this is what's happening," he said, after discussing issues relating to the war on terror.

Skelton noted that the war on terror began long before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the conflict in Iraq will likely continue. He described the war on terror as the battle to preserve one of our basic freedoms -- the freedom from fear. He also urged citizens to support the troops by taking the time to tell them we're proud of them.

Skelton is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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