[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE NAVY UDT-SEAL MUSEUM IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AS THE 
     OFFICIAL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVY SEALS AND THEIR PREDECESSORS

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                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of a resolution to recognize the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, 
Florida as the official national museum of Navy SEALs and their 
predecessors. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I would 
like to express my appreciation for the efforts of my good friend from 
Florida, Congressman Tim Mahoney, for introducing this important 
legislation and the House Leadership for bringing it before the House 
floor for a vote.
  The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Piece, located adjacent to the 
District I represent, is in close proximity to the birthplace of the 
World War II underwater demolition teams or the ``Navy Frogman.'' These 
``Navy Frogmen'' have since evolved into the U.S. Navy SEALs, one of 
the most elite and distinguished fighting forces in the entire world. 
This museum is currently the only one of its kind in the world that 
honors and preserves the Navy SEALs legacy. The museum's mission is 
essential, and through its daily work to educate the public, continues 
to recognize the contributions of the brave men and women serving our 
Nation.
  The Navy SEALs are an elite fighting team that have operated in 
almost every environment known to man--from humid jungles to space 
stations orbiting the Earth. We owe it to these brave men and women who 
put their lives on the line every day for the United States' democracy 
our sincerest gratitude and respect. We owe it to them to memorialize 
their contributions and their legacy on a national scale.
  Since 1985, the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum has been at the forefront of 
educating our Nation on the historical importance of these special 
forces. The museum currently contains thousands of artifacts, 
declassified documents, weapons, and photographs that are a true 
testament to the courageous exploits of the Navy SEALs and their 
predecessors.
  This legislation before us today would make the museum the Official 
National Museum for Navy SEALs in the United States. I urge a swift 
passage of this significant legislation to properly recognize and 
memorialize the heroic acts of past and present United States Navy 
SEALs.

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