[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE NEW CASTLE AREA HONOR GUARD

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                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the New Castle 
Area Honor Guard. This group of dedicated Veterans provides an 
invaluable service to all those individuals who risked their lives in 
defense of our freedoms. I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend these volunteers for their years of service to the Veterans of 
Lawrence County.
  The New Castle Area Honor Guard was formed in October 1992 when a 
group of concerned Veterans became aware of a terrible disservice that 
had recently occurred. A fellow Veteran had passed away in the New 
Castle area, leaving no survivors to attend his funeral service or 
honor his memory. The concerned men enlisted the aid of their fellow 
Veterans and committed themselves to honoring their comrades in an 
appropriate fashion. Hence, the honor guard was formed to provide 
military funeral services for honorably discharged Veterans of the 
area.
  Since performing their first military funeral in 1993 the membership 
of the New Castle Area Honor Guard has grown to nearly 40 dedicated 
individuals. In addition to funeral services, they have extended their 
operation to perform services in which our national flag is honored. 
The honor guard has performed more than 500 funerals in and around the 
Lawrence County area and has traveled as far as Ohio to provide their 
services.
  Mr. Speaker, let us commend the efforts of this loyal group of 
American Veterans. These citizens have proven their commitment to our 
nation time and time again. They once served with valor in our armed 
forces and they continue to serve with honor in our community. I ask 
you and all members to join me in a special salute to the New Castle 
Area Honor Guard.

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