[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF ORANGE IN RECOGNITION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                        THE ORANGE PEACE STATUE

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                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the spirit and 
civic pride that the Town of Orange, Massachusetts and its residents 
have demonstrated over the past 70 years towards the care and 
preservation of the bronze Peace Statue by Joseph Pollia.
  The 12-foot high ``peace statue'' stands in a small park in the 
center of Orange. Designed by Joseph Pollia in 1934, this sculpture 
received national attention when it was dedicated as a memorial to 
veterans of World War I. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt sent a letter 
commemorating the event and coverage of the statue appeared in the 
Christian Science Monitor.
  The statue addresses the need for world peace through its inscription 
``It Shall Not Be Again'' and is said to be the only ``peace statue'' 
of its kind. It depicts a doughboy just returning from the war torn 
fields of France. He is seated on a stump and beside him stands a 10-
year old American schoolboy carrying a book. The statue, which weighs 
1,120 pounds, was installed on two granite blocks.
  Seventy years ago today this statue was unveiled as a memorial to the 
brave men of Orange who gave their lives to protect our country. It has 
also served as a beautiful reminder that peace is an alternative to 
war. The sculpture's inscription, ``It Shall Not Be Again'', could not 
be more timely as the nation once again honors the memory of young men 
and women who have given the greatest sacrifice to protect our nation 
and its citizens. In honor of our nation's veterans, I again ask that 
we recognize the national significance of this statue and thank the 
people of Orange, Massachusetts for keeping it safe for future 
generations to enjoy.




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