[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MOUNT SOLEDAD CROSS

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I would like to express my strong support 
for passage of H.R. 5683, legislation passed by the House last week to 
preserve the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in Diego, CA. I want to 
associate myself with the comments made by my colleague, Senator 
Sessions. He and I both have introduced legislation similar to H.R. 
5683 and I am pleased that Senator Graham also has joined us in 
advocating a legislative solution to this important matter.
  Since 1913, a series of crosses have stood on top of Mount Soledad, 
property owned by the city of San Diego. In April of 1954, the site was 
designated to commemorate the sacrifices made by members of the armed 
forces who served in World War II, as well as the Korean war.
  In 1989, one individual filed suit against the city claiming that the 
display of the cross by the city was unconstitutional and, therefore, 
violated his civil rights. In 1991, a Federal judge issued an 
injunction prohibiting the permanent display of the cross on city 
property. Since that time, the city has repeatedly tried to divest 
itself of the property through sale or donation. But the plaintiff 
continued to mount legal challenges to every attempted property 
transfer. The legal wrangling over this memorial continues today.
  The Mount Soledad Memorial is a remarkably popular landmark. In fact, 
I had the pleasure of visiting the Memorial during the Fourth of July 
recess and can personally attest to the profound impression it can 
leave on its visitors.
  It is also of great importance to the local community. On two 
different occasions, the voters of San Diego have overwhelming passed 
ballot measures designed to transfer the property to entities which 
could maintain the cross. Given the many years of legal disputes 
regarding this memorial, I believe it is past time that this issue be 
resolved.
  The bill that we are seeking to pass would bring the Mount Soledad 
cross under the control of the Federal Government, and specifically, 
the Department of Defense and would allow for the just compensation for 
the property in question. It also would address the required 
maintenance for the memorial and the surrounding property through a 
memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of Defense and the 
Mount Soledad Memorial Association. The minimal financial commitment 
required in this legislation will ensure the endurance of this memorial 
which serves as a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of men and 
women who made enormous sacrifices when our country called upon them.
  I understand the bill has cleared on our side, and that we are 
awaiting for the other side to allow its approval. I can only hope that 
all of my colleagues will join us in supporting this legislation, and 
ensure the preservation of an important tribute to our men and women of 
the Armed Forces.

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