[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEDICATION OF THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS MEMORIAL STATE PARK

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today we honor the lives of 19 
courageous Granite Mountain Hotshots by celebrating the dedication of 
the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park in Yarnell, AZ. I ask 
that this letter recognizing the occasion be printed in the Record.
  The material follows:

                                                  U.S. Senate,

                                                November 29, 2016.
     Arizona State Parks and Trails,
     Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yarnell, AZ.
       Dear Friends:  In a proud but solemn moment for all 
     Arizonans, today we celebrate the dedication of the Granite 
     Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park.
       The 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire was a tragedy that resulted in 
     the lives of 19 brave and fearless Granite Mountain Hotshots. 
     That fateful day on June 30, 2013 was the greatest loss of 
     life for firefighters in a wildfire since 1933 and the 
     greatest loss of firefighters in the United States since the 
     September 11th attacks. This Memorial State Park is a most 
     fitting tribute to these remarkable firefighters who 
     selflessly risked their own lives to protect others and their 
     community in the beautiful Arizona town of Yarnell.
       I thank Arizona State Parks and the Yarnell Hill Memorial 
     Site Board, who made this designation possible. With this 
     wonderful memorial, I hope the family and friends of those 
     Hotshots who passed may find peace and comfort in this 
     historic designation, which will forever preserve and honor 
     the memory of these brave souls.
       My thoughts and prayers are with you all on this occasion, 
     and I send best wishes for a memorable event.
           Sincerely,
                                                      John McCain,
     U.S. Senator.

                          ____________________