[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE GRAND OPENING OF ``A TEST OF A NATION: THE HONOR OF A COUNTY''

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on May 19, 2000, the Barry County 
Parks and Recreation Commission will unveil a brand new exhibition at 
Historic Charlton Park Village, Museum and Recreation Area in Hastings, 
Michigan. The exhibition is entitled ``A Test of a Nation: The Honor of 
a County,'' and is a tribute to the soldiers that Barry County sent off 
to battle during the Civil War, and also to their families. I rise 
today, Mr. President, in honor of this special occasion.
  During the Civil War, Barry County, at the time populated by less 
than 15,000 people, contributed 1,632 men to the Union Army, the 
highest percentage of citizens per county in the State of Michigan. The 
new exhibition illustrates what life was like for these men out in the 
field, and for their loved ones at home. Part of the grand opening 
celebration on May 19, 2000, will be educational programs on the topic 
of the Civil War.
  The exhibition was made possible in part by funds from a Michigan 
Arts, Cultural and Quality of Life Grant. On September 1, 1999, 
Historic Charlton Park received $339,000 to remodel and expand the 
museum. ``A Test of a Nation: The Honor of a County'' marks the 
completion of the first phase of the project.
  Mr. President, it goes without saying that the Civil War is one of 
the most important events in American History, and perhaps the most 
important. I applaud all of the people whose efforts made this 
exhibition possible, for with these efforts they have allowed 
individuals of all ages an opportunity to experience a little part of 
that history. They have given them a chance to see what life was like 
for the men, women and children of Barry County who played an important 
role in keeping our nation together.
  On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Historic 
Charlton Park Village on the opening of ``A Test of a Nation: The Honor 
of a County.'' It is truly an important exhibition, and I know that the 
people of Barry County will greatly appreciate it.




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