[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONDEMNING REMOVAL OF MOJAVE CROSS MEMORIAL

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                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as has been mentioned the monument that is 
being debated has stood in the Mojave Desert for 75 years to honor our 
veterans. It stood there, that is, until the night of May 9th when 
vandals stole it. This memorial was a 7-foot cross that has endured 
much turmoil including a recent legal attempt to have the cross 
removed, which was turned away by the Supreme Court.
  Those responsible for the disappearance of the cross have shown 
disrespect for both veterans and this Nation's legal process.
  I would also like to commend the VFW for their determination in the 
face of this disrespectful act. They have vowed that the memorial will 
be rebuilt and are offering a $125,000 reward for information leading 
to an arrest.
  President George Washington once said, ``The willingness with which 
our young people are likely to serve in any war shall be directly 
proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were 
appreciated by their nation.''
  I think President Washington would agree that this appreciation 
includes allowing our veterans' memorials to stand in honor of them.

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