[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY LIBERTY STATE PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Liberty State 
Park on its 25th Anniversary. I am proud and honored to represent 
Liberty State Park in the U.S. House of Representatives. For decades, 
the Park has symbolized freedom and democracy, while providing a 
beautiful backdrop to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
  The park officially opened on Flag Day, June 14, 1976, as New 
Jersey's bicentennial gift to the nation. Located on the Hudson River 
waterfront, less than 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty, Liberty 
State Park serves as a place of public recreation for millions of 
tourists and nearby residents. Every year, families from all across the 
country travel to the park to picnic, host social gatherings, or simply 
take in the grand views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of 
Liberty.
  For years, I have vigorously fought to protect Liberty State Park for 
our children and future generations. In 1994, 1 successfully fought 
developers'efforts to convert this cherished landmark into a golf 
course. In addition, I have worked with a coalition of organizations to 
remediate the park's interior to provide more space for visitors to 
enjoy.
  My family and I have shared and enjoyed this park with countless 
other families and visitors from all across the globe. We have spent 
many spring and summer afternoons playing football and taking in the 
splendid views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It has become 
a family ritual to catch a ferry ride from the park to Ellis Island or 
the Statue of Liberty on a nice fall day.
  Liberty State Park continues to play an important role in the lives 
of the people and families who journey here every year. I love and 
appreciate this park, and will continue to protect and preserve its 
natural beauty. I would also like to pay tribute to the Pesin family 
for their commitment to preserving Liberty State Park and all its 
splendor.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Liberty State 
Park on its 25th Anniversary.

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