[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CHARLES F. ALBAUGH'S DEDICATION TO PATRIOTISM

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, today I am proud to pay tribute to the 
late Charles F. Albaugh, a Vietnam era veteran from Fairhaven, MA. Mr. 
Albaugh passed away on April 14, 2002, but his love of his country 
continues to be an inspiration in southeastern Massachusetts.
  Shortly after September 11, 2001, Mr. Albaugh was determined to 
express the emotions we all shared on that terrible day. Although 
confined to a wheelchair, he went to the interstate overpass running 
through his town of Fairhaven, MA, and placed American flags on it as a 
constant reminder to the thousands who passed by each day of the 
strength and unity of the American people.
  Despite his physical limitations, he and his wife Mary Ann tended 
those flags every day on the Main Street overpass, no matter the 
weather. At its peak, this man's monument totaled 175 flags. And each 
night at dusk, he returned to the overpass with a lit votive candle to 
pray for the victims of 9/11. His presence was an inspiration to the 
community and soon drew volunteers to help maintain the flags.
  Although Charles Albaugh has left us, his inspiration will be 
remembered permanently on the Main Street overpass in Fairhaven. On 
Memorial Day this year, a flagpole and plaque will be dedicated to his 
memory and to the patriotism and love of country we all share. A light 
will shine on the flag each night to remind us of Charles Albaugh's 
inspiration and dedication, and of the candle he lit in prayer each 
evening on that overpass.
  I am pleased to join with those honoring Charles Albaugh and I know 
that my colleagues in the Senate join in commending their efforts to 
mark the difference he made in Southeastern Massachusetts.

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