[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE PONTIAC VETERANS MEMORIAL

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pontiac 
Veterans Memorial Corporation as they dedicate the Pontiac Veterans 
Memorial on June 7, 2008. This memorial is the culmination of countless 
hours of hardwork and dedication shown by the Pontiac Veterans Memorial 
Corporation.
  In 1998, the Pontiac Veterans Memorial Corporation started their 
memorial project by collecting the names of every Pontiac resident that 
had served our country since the Revolutionary War. Two years and over 
3,800 names later, the Pontiac Veterans Memorial Corporation was ready 
to design a memorial to honor these brave individuals. Understanding 
the importance of involving the community, the members asked students 
from the local schools to create designs for the memorial. The ultimate 
selection was designed by William Holland, a student at Notre Dame High 
School in Pontiac.
  With a design in hand and a location overlooking veterans' burial 
plots, which was donated by the Perry Mount Cemetery, the corporation 
sought out funding for the memorial. The community heard their call and 
answered with an outpouring of support, from individual donors to group 
donations from organizations like the Disabled American Veterans of 
Pontiac, The Chrysler Foundation, and General Motors Corporation. The 
memorial stands as a living tribute bearing the names of everyone who 
has served this great country.
  In addition to recognizing the tireless efforts of the Pontiac 
Veterans Memorial Corporation, I would like to highlight the work of 
their president, Jack Bressler. A veteran himself, Jack spearheaded the 
project, and I commend him for the countless hours he has invested to 
turn this dream into a reality.
  Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the Pontiac Veterans Memorial 
Corporation for all they have done to honor our brave and selfless 
veterans. I congratulate them as they dedicate this memorial and 
commend the entire community for all the support they have shown.

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