[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 7, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E601-E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           VIETNAM VETERANS DONOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 588, the 
Vietnam Veterans Donor Acknowledgment Act of 2013. This legislation 
will permit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to display and recognize 
donor contributions at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center. 
Other memorials located on the National Mall, including the MLK 
Memorial and FDR Memorial, include engraved walls of donors. By 
allowing recognition of major donors at the Visitor Center, this will 
allow the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to reach its goal of raising 
$95 million in private funds to complete construction of the Education 
Center at the Wall.
  It is in our national interest to make sure there is a place to 
properly honor the fallen and pay the proper respects to all Americans 
who so proudly display the values of honor, service and duty by wearing 
our country's uniform. The Education Center at The Wall will be just 
that place. Passing this legislation will help fulfill our 
responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the 
tremendous sacrifices made by those who have answered the nation's call 
to duty for more than 200 years, as well as the living legacy of 
service carried forward by today's military.

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