[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE INLAND EMPIRE HARLEY OWNERS GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to the 
Inland Empire Harley Owners Group as they prepare to promote West Coast 
Thunder, a large police escorted parade of motorcyclists to the 
Riverside National Cemetery to honor our military veterans on Memorial 
Day. In my congressional district of Riverside, California, we are 
fortunate to have numerous community service organizations that not 
only unselfishly give their time and talents to the community but find 
their own lives enriched in return. The Inland Empire Harley Owners 
Group epitomizes this and more.
  The efforts of the West Coast Thunder committee with thousands of 
parade participants over the years, has brought great recognition, 
unparalleled resources and multitudes of volunteers to Riverside's 
Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony. This event provides a compelling way 
for people to pay their respects as well as raise funds for the 
Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee. The visual impact of 
thousands of motorcycles, led by a full flag-bearing honor-guard, 
proudly gives those interred at the Riverside National Cemetery the 
recognition it richly deserves.
  The Riverside National Cemetery is currently the second largest 
resting place for our veterans, with over 150,000 men and women from 
our armed services standing silent vigil with us today. Within a short 
time it is expected to be the largest cemetery in the National Cemetery 
system and within 50 years will have more than 1.4 million honored 
veterans.
  The months of work preceding this event lead to a large gathering of 
veterans, family and friends desiring to honor those who gave the 
ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. Their tireless efforts and 
dedication to honoring our brave veterans is evident as thousands 
participate in the Memorial Day Ceremonies.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Inland Empire Harley Owners Group for 
their dedication and service to our Nations veterans.

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