[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE TONASKET UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES LEGACY SITE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2014

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those 
whose vision and hard work have made the United States Armed Forces 
Legacy Site in Tonasket, Washington, a reality. This site is a touching 
tribute to the legacy of all of America's veterans--past, present, and 
future.
   In 2006, local veterans George Frank, Roger Castelda, and Ted Huber 
formed the U.S. Armed Forces Legacy Association in this rural community 
with the commendable mission of providing a place for veterans and 
members of the U.S. Armed Forces to be honored, offering a service 
office for veterans and their families, and presenting a military 
library for the use and enjoyment of all.
   Originally designed by local artist Brad Hughes, the United States 
Armed Forces Legacy Site was completed on May 18, 2013 in conjunction 
with the city of Tonasket and with the hard work of many in the 
community. This inspirational site includes a wall for over 1,000 
veterans' plaques, five basalt columns to honor each service branch, a 
library consisting of the history and wars of the Armed Forces, and a 
touching mural acknowledging America's military history.
   I am pleased to see that the U.S. Armed Forces Legacy Association 
was named Non-profit Association of the year for 2012 by the Tonasket 
Chamber of Commerce and named as the best park/playground by the Omak 
Chronicle.
   Through the efforts of numerous volunteers and donors, the United 
States Armed Forces Legacy Site has been a tremendous success and truly 
honors those who protect and preserve the values that shaped the 
character of our nation. I applaud all of those who made the site what 
it is today and look forward to future generations being able to show 
their respect to our America heroes.

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