[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1413-E1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE FIRST ANNUAL STAND DOWN EVENT AT CAPE COD ACADEMY

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first annual 
Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy.
   On August 11, 2012, at its Stand Down event, Cape Cod Academy in 
Osterville will open its doors to local veterans and will provide these 
men and women with a variety of services and support. The term ``stand 
down'' originated as a military term, designating that a combat unit 
was temporarily moved away from the front lines for rest and 
rehabilitation. The tradition of hosting service-oriented events for 
veterans, and giving them the ``Stand Down'' name, originated in the 
United States after the Civil War, when returning soldiers were offered 
food and medical treatment in the towns they passed on their long 
journeys home. Modern Stand Down events have evolved as an opportunity 
to provide needed services to local veterans.
   The Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy will provide services--such 
as general health screenings and dental care, benefits assistance, 
registry of motor vehicles services, the availability of clergy, and 
free clothing and hygiene items--in a safe and welcoming environment. 
Most of the volunteers at this event will be Cape Cod Academy students. 
It is truly admirable that these young people are ready and willing to 
give their time on a Saturday afternoon to honor our local veterans.
   As more than thirty thousand veterans call Cape Cod home, it is 
crucial that we offer assistance to the men and women who have served 
our nation. Cape Cod Academy, its students, and its faculty have truly 
done the community a great service by planning and hosting this event. 
I look forward to seeing the Academy's success as it continues this 
newly-annual tradition in the future.
   Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the first annual 
Stand Down event at Cape Cod Academy. I urge my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing the students and faculty who have worked to bring this 
event to life, and the importance that this event will have to the Cape 
Cod community.

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