[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING MYSTIC AQUARIUM

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I am proud to recognize that 
today, First Lady Michelle Obama presents Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium 
with the Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Medal for 
Museum and Library Services for 2014. This medal is the Nation's 
highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to their 
communities, and I wish to convey my deepest congratulations and 
admiration for Mystic Aquarium on this auspicious occasion.
Since 1973, Mystic Aquarium has showcased the wonders of the world's 
oceans through exhibitions, tours, classroom programs, and partnerships 
with scientific organizations. In addition to worldclass offerings like 
its diverse collection of more than 4,000 animals ranging from sea 
lions to penguins, the aquarium boasts New England's only beluga whale 
habitat, as well as an innovative exhibit that showcases underwater 
exploration through a partnership with famed explorer Dr. Robert 
Ballard.
The aquarium maintains a laudable commitment to making a difference for 
marine environments around the globe through research and direct 
involvement. The Marine Animal Rescue Program rehabilitates dozens of 
injured seals every year, and a penguin task force has provided similar 
help to African penguins in South Africa. The aquarium's extensive 
research includes field observations on wild belugas in the Arctic and 
closer to home, the aquarium enlists visitors in beach cleanup and 
marine animal stranding and rehabilitation programs.
What I find most meaningful about Mystic Aquarium's work, however, is 
its consistent focus on inspiring and serving the people of Connecticut 
and visitors from around the world. Of the Aquarium's 700,000 yearly 
visitors, one in seven is a Connecticut K-12 student, and because 
school budget constraints too often limit learning opportunities 
outside the classroom, the aquarium regularly offers complimentary 
admission to students and teachers from economically disadvantage 
communities. The aquarium's deep investment in promoting scientific and 
environmental understanding among students of all ages and backgrounds 
is similarly reflected in its innovative programming for Native 
American high school students and for young people with intellectual 
disabilities.
Having attended numerous events at Mystic Aquarium, I can personally 
attest to the dedication of everyone there in serving Connecticut and 
improving animal habitat across the world. I know how hard Dr. Stephen 
M. Coan, Dr. Ballard, and all of the aquarium's staff members and 
volunteers work to support these goals. For its legacy of community-
focused education and environmental stewardship, I am proud to 
congratulate Mystic Aquarium on its receipt of the great honor.

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