[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    REDEDICATION OF DOUGHBOY STATUE

                                 ______


                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, on the evening of May 30, 1995, the 
community of Concordia, MO, rededicated the Doughboy Statue, first 
erected in 1923, in the city's central park. It was a memorable 
experience for me to participate in the ceremonies with community 
leaders, including Dick Stuenkel, Rev. Paul Wobus, and Mayor Alfred 
Rodewald. Brig. Gen. Ron Marcotte of Whiteman Air Force Base delivered 
an address. Mayor Rodewald delivered the rite of dedication, which was 
a fitting tribute to the community's veterans:
               Rite of Rededication of Doughboy Monument

       In the Name of Almighty God, the Creator of all things, the 
     Redeemer of sinful mankind and the Sanctifier of all that is 
     made just and holy.
       On Sept. 23, 1923, this community dedicated a monument. The 
     monument was formed of Bedford limestone. It depicted an 
     American soldier--a Doughboy of World War fame--standing at 
     attention, standing 6 feet tall, a weapon at his right side, 
     in full uniform, dignified, in Central Park, Concordia, MO.
       Here the Doughboy monument has stood for 71 years. It has 
     been a symbol of appreciation for all who joined the Armed 
     Forces of America to defend her against human injustice: in 
     the Civil War from 1861 to 1865; the Spanish-American War in 
     1898; and the World War from 1914 to 1918.
       The monument has endured 71 years of exposure to the 
     elements of west central Missouri. It has received tender 
     glances from people who wanted to know of its significance 
     and meaning. It has been greeted by warm faces from patriotic 
     Americans and foreigners alike. Through the years, the 
     Doughboy has stood as a proud symbol in central park.
       This monument of stone has stood in silence. Yet it has 
     projected a message of dedication and commitment by area 
     citizens to the defense of liberty, peace and justice for 
     all. Dedicated to those who defended America in the Civil 
     War, Spanish-American War, and World War I, the Doughboy has 
     held its place in Concordia while more wars raged and the 
     U.S. Government called upon new generations of local men and 
     women to bear arms in her defense.
       The monument stood through World War II, from 1939 to 1945; 
     the Korean war, from 1950 to 1953; the Vietnam war, from 1965 
     to 1973; and the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
       This monument of stone, reflecting material blemishes from 
     years of exposure to elements at central park, was recently 
     refurbished. It was refurbished through the effort of many--
     including the city of Concordia; American Legion Post 258 and 
     auxiliary; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5649 and auxiliary; 
     Concordia Area Heritage Society; Concordia Lions Club and 
     Concordia Civic Club.
       Refurbished, the monument dedicated in 1923 is ready for 
     rededication.
       I, therefore, rededicate the Doughboy Monument with this 
     rite. May this monument of stone continue to project its 
     message of commitment to liberty, peace and justice for all 
     mankind to everyone who lives in and visits this community. 
     May God grant it to stand enduringly as a symbol of peace and 
     as a symbol of love for God and country in the town that 
     chose the name Concordia as it sought peace and harmony 
     following many painful experiences in the Civil War.
       As floodlights focus on the Doughboy Monument tonight we 
     rededicate it to its mission.
       In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy 
     Ghost. Amen. [let the lights turn on]
     

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