[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 103 (Thursday, July 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1105-E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA, AS A PURPLE HEART CITY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 3, 2014

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on this, the eve of the anniversary of 
American Independence, it is fitting that we recognize not only the 
role of the founders in freedom's birthplace, Philadelphia, but that we 
salute those who have, ever since that declaration of freedom in 1776, 
fought in battle after battle and in war after war to secure our 
freedoms. On that day of days celebrating America's freedoms, like all 
days when freedom reigns, we should honor those who have so selflessly 
served and made such extraordinary personal sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, more than a year before independence was declared, 
General George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the 
Continental Army. His leadership was born of our War for Independence, 
and, to this day, General Washington remains a revered figure for the 
soldier in the field. And for so many reasons, the General still warmly 
resides in America's hearts and minds. Among our Nation's highest 
honors stands one enjoying almost universal recognition and holding a 
distinguished reverence by those both inside and outside the ranks of 
our dedicated military services. Its pedigree stretches back to the 
legendary commitment General Washington had made to his troops.
  Above all, the Purple Heart symbolizes the sacrifice made freely for 
this country, given for each of us and for future generations. Here in 
our Nation's Capital on the office wall of West Virginia's Third 
Congressional District hangs one of my most cherished recognitions, a 
citation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United 
States of America recognizing my service to the Order. Each year, I am 
honored to welcome West Virginia members of the Order to my office and 
to discuss with them issues of importance.
  Many times I have had the high honor of presenting the Purple Heart 
to my fellow West Virginians. Without exception, they are as humble in 
accepting this award as they were meritorious in their actions for 
which it was granted. Here, Mr. Speaker, is found the true heart of the 
American character.

[[Page E1106]]

  In the heart of the Appalachian Coalfields, in the heart of Logan 
County, West Virginia, its County Seat, the City of Logan, has been 
rightly proclaimed ``A Purple Heart City.'' Through the decades and by 
the thousands, the men and women of this patriotic town and from 
throughout this county have freely enlisted their lives, fortunes, and 
sacred honor to further the cause begun with the ``shot heard 'round 
the World.''
  The Proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of those who have 
received a Purple Heart. Our service men and women and veterans, many 
of whom are honorably represented by Logan's Chapter 733 of the 
Military Order of the Purple Heart, are revered by the citizens of the 
City of Logan and those in the County at large.
  The great cost, the blood lost, will never have been in vain within 
these city limits. Mr. Speaker, the honor and respect paid to those in 
uniform and those now in the ranks of our veterans is supreme and as 
about as united as you are going to get in these United States of 
America.
  As Logan Mayor Serafino J. Nolletti's Proclamation states, ``the 
contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from the City of 
Logan who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the 
freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens.''
  Nor, Mr. Speaker, does the service to our Nation end for the West 
Virginia veteran with his muster out pay. Not by any stretch of the 
imagination. Our veterans continue to contribute to their community 
through their faithful work in their churches and service within the 
many charitable organizations to which they belong. Their selfless work 
is the mortar that so securely binds our Republic together.
  That most certainly includes the dedicated commitment of the officers 
of Chapter 733: Charles Baisden, Commander; Troy Varney, Senior Vice 
Commander; Charles Frye, Finance Officer; and Larry Thompson, Sergeant 
at Arms.
  In creating the military honor that preceded today's Purple Heart, 
General Washington issued an order that closed with these words: ``The 
road to glory in a patriot army and free country is thus open to all.'' 
Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, if the veterans and Purple Heart 
recipients in Logan, West Virginia, have any say in the matter, and I 
assure you they will, the road to glory will always be open to all in a 
free United States of America.

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