[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE SUMMIT PROJECT'S LIVING MEMORIAL TO FALLEN VETERANS

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                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an 
organization in my state for its outstanding work to honor Maine 
veterans who died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
  The Summit Project engages teams of hikers in carrying stones--some 
weighing up to 10 pounds--to the summits of Maine mountains. Each 
engraved with a fallen veteran's initials, the stones are picked by 
family members from a special spot in the veteran's life. The stones 
come from a range of places, including childhood homes, family camps, 
and favorite fishing spots. And each has a story to tell about the 
heroes we lost.
  Marine Major David J. Cote of Maine was inspired to start the Summit 
Project when he climbed Mt. Whitney with a group of Navy Seals. Each 
carried stones on the 11-mile hike up the 14,500-foot mountain to honor 
their fallen brothers. Maj. Cote decided to bring the practice to 
Maine, which has some of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in 
the nation.
  I applaud the Summit Project for engaging people in such a fitting 
tribute to veterans who gave their lives in service to the country. By 
toiling up steep mountain trails and carrying the heavy weight of these 
stones, we can be reminded of the sacrifices these men and women made 
and the struggles they went through. At the same time, we can 
symbolically reconnect the fallen to the state they loved and pay 
respect to their families.
  Mr. Speaker, physical monuments in our town squares serve an 
important role in ensuring that our country's fallen heroes are not 
forgotten. What makes this project so special, though, is that the 
monuments are built inside of those who participate. More than carrying 
stones, these hikers carry the memories of our veterans in their 
hearts. It's hard to think of a better way to keep the spirit of these 
veterans alive.

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