[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE U.S.S. ``HOGA''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce a bill 
which authorizes the use of a vessel to transport the naval harbor tug 
USS Hoga to Port Everglades, Florida, for use as a memorial to veterans 
and provide vocational seamanship training.
  This bill will carry out the longstanding intent of Congress in 
preserving and protecting historic landmarks and national monuments. 
The USS Hoga is recognized by the United States Park Service as a 
national monument, and appears in the national register of historic 
places. Unfortunately, the USS Hoga is no longer seaworthy, and cannot 
safely be towed on the open sea. If towed through the water, it may 
fall apart, and we stand to lose this national monument forever. Thus, 
I encourage you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues here in Congress, to 
support this initiative that will allow a means to transport the USS 
Hoga on a transporter vessel, enabling the ship to arrive undamaged to 
the state of Florida.
  Veterans have long been the thread holding together our nation, 
defining American independence, and ensuring American freedom. Despite 
the high concentration of World War II veterans in Florida, with the 
majority of them calling South Florida home, the state of Florida is 
the only coastal state without a commemorative World War II warship. 
This legislation will assist the USS Hoga Association in transporting 
the USS Hoga to its final resting place at the New River in Ft. 
Lauderdale, Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, in the next two decades, the last of the World War II 
veterans will have passed on. As an immobile World War II veteran, the 
USS Hoga will be a place for future generations to pay homage to those 
who fought bravely under the United States flag. The USS Hoga is indeed 
a national treasure, and will serve many additional uses in the state 
of Florida. Currently, boatyards are underemployed, and fewer Americans 
consider a calling to defend our great country. In addition to being a 
memorial, the USS Hoga will be used to train students in seamanship 
duties and promote national defense by preparing young Americans for 
service in the United States Navy.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say that I take a great deal of pride in 
the fact that South Florida boasts one of the nations highest 
percentage of World War II veterans. I would also like to commend the 
USS Hoga Association for the tremendous work and effort it has 
contributed to attain this goal. As we approach the 60 year mark 
commemorating the beginning of World War II, I ask that we fulfill a 
small request made by Florida veterans to aid them in transporting a 
tribute to those citizens who fought for our country.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

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