[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]




                      HONORING THE SUMMIT PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the efforts of The 
Summit Project and its leader and founder, United States Marine Corps 
Major David J. Cote, to memorialize Maine's fallen service members 
since September 11, 2001.
  Major Cote launched The Summit Project on Memorial Day of 2013. This 
outstanding initiative will recognize and pay proper tribute to the 
sacrifices made by our fallen service members and their families.
  Beginning on Memorial Day 2014, volunteers will carry memorial stones 
to the summit of Mt. Katandin to honor each fallen Maine hero who was 
given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country during recent 
conflicts. Each engraved stone will bear the initials, birth year, 
death year, rank, and service branch of the Maine heroes who valiantly 
gave their lives while defending our country. The act of carrying 
memorial stones during tribute hikes across mountains in Maine will 
become a symbol of solidarity that recognizes the sacrifice of our 
brave Maine service members and their families.
  I grew up and still live in the heart of Maine's Katandin Region, a 
part of our state built on a strong work ethic and devotion to service 
above self. Since I was a child, I have been acutely aware of the 
significant number of Mainers from across the region and the state who 
choose a life of military service to protect and defend the United 
States at home and abroad. I can't think of a better place than Mt. 
Katandin to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and the Maine values that 
defined their character.
  As a living memorial, the Summit Project was created to honor the 
fallen while challenging the living. The Summit Project ensures that 
the spirit and sacrifice of our fallen Maine heroes will not be 
forgotten, and it creates an environment in which their surviving 
family and friends may continue the healing process. The project 
exemplifies the values of the people of Maine: service, loyalty, 
patriotism, and selflessness.
  It is an honor and a privilege to represent Maine, the creators of 
the Summit Project, and the Katandin Region in Congress. Soon, Maine's 
highest peak will host a fitting dedication to the memory of Maine's 
bravest.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the members of The Summit 
Project and Major David J. Cote as they honor the service members from 
Maine who lost their lives protecting our freedom.

                          ____________________