[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA VETERANS PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY KISSELL

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Mr. KISSEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the millions of 
veterans who have served our country with honor. As the son of a WWII 
veteran, I understand the sacrifices these men and women have made for 
our country. We must all remember that we need to find ways to say 
thank you year round. I am always challenged to find an adequate way to 
show my appreciation to these modern-day heroes. No matter how 
heartfelt and sincere our ``thank you'' is, it can never be expressed 
enough. Today, I come to you Mr. Speaker, with a resolution that was 
passed unanimously by the North Carolina House and North Carolina 
Senate. This resolution honors the dedication of the new North Carolina 
Veterans Park in Fayetteville, NC, the most military friendly city in 
America, for its grand opening on July 4, 2011. The resolution reads:

          [North Carolina Senate Resolution 85, Feb. 21, 2011]

   A Senate Resolution Honoring the Dedication of the North Carolina 
                             Veterans Park.

       Whereas, the citizens of North Carolina have a long and 
     proud history, dating to this country's birth, of paying 
     special honor and respect to its sons and daughters who 
     protect our country's freedoms; and
       Whereas, the lands of North Carolina and our country are 
     enjoyed by all its citizens due to the unending efforts and 
     sacrifices made by all of our veterans; and
       Whereas, North Carolina is proud to be the home to Cherry 
     Point Air Station, 8 Charlotte Air National Guard, Camp 
     Lejeune, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, Fort 
     Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, New River Air Station, and 
     Seymour Johnson Air Force Base; and
       Whereas, North Carolina is proud to call itself the most 
     military friendly state in America and, as a state, North 
     Carolina has one of the highest percentages of veterans in 
     America; and
       Whereas, July 4, 2011, will mark the dedication of the 
     North Carolina Veterans Park; and
       Whereas, the purpose of the North Carolina Veterans Park is 
     to honor all North Carolina veterans and be a composition of 
     objects, spaces, and images that symbolize gratitude, 
     reflection, celebration, and education, and commemorate 
     achievement, service, dedication, and sacrifice; and
       Whereas, the North Carolina Veterans Park is located in 
     Fayetteville, North Carolina, home of Fort Bragg and Pope Air 
     Force Base, and is adjacent to the Airborne and Special 
     Operations Museum, which is a part of the United States Army 
     Museum System, providing an exciting educational experience 
     and preserving the legend of airborne and special operation 
     forces; and
       Whereas, the North Carolina Veterans Park will consist of 
     seven water features and public art representing 
     participation of individuals from across the State; and
       Whereas, the hands of 100 veterans were cast to honor and 
     represent every county in North Carolina and are displayed in 
     this park's Wall of Oath; and
       Whereas, soil from each of the State's 100 counties will be 
     included in the construction of the columns in the park; and
       Whereas, public art sculptures in the public plaza at the 
     North Carolina Veterans Park signify our veterans' 
     commitment, courage, dedication, heroism, sacrifice, service, 
     and strength, as well as the incredible talents of our 
     State's artist; and
       Whereas, the city of Fayetteville has directed the design 
     and construction of the North Carolina Veterans Park to meet 
     or exceed all guidelines and guidance provided by a large 
     segment of the veteran population, including Content 
     Committee members from all five branches of the military 
     service; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate:
       SECTION 1. The Senate joins the citizens of this State in 
     expressing its pride and gratitude to the veterans of this 
     State for their service, dedication, and sacrifice in 
     protecting the freedoms of this country and designates July 
     4, 2011, as ``North Carolina Veterans Park Day.''
       SECTION 2. This resolution is effective upon adoption.

  Mr. Speaker, the storyline of the Veterans Park reads:

     From the soils of North Carolina,
     You left your families and homes
     With purpose to serve your country.
     In service, you made sacrifices.
     You are our veterans.
     This is your place to reflect on and
     Share your experience.
     To feel pride in your service,
     Bond with fellow veterans, and heal.
     Here, may you find support and inspiration
     To live your lives today.
     The people of North Carolina
     Honor your service and welcome you home.

  May all our veterans continue to be honored with the utmost regard, 
both those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country as well 
as those who are still with us who continue to carry the burdens and 
scars of war every day.

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