[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE NEW MEMORIAL PARK IN THE TOWN OF SARATOGA DEDICATED TO THE 
  HISTORIC SURRENDER OF BRITISH GENERAL BURGOYNE TO AMERICAN GENERAL 
                       GATES ON OCTOBER 17, 1777

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                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 17, 2019

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the new memorial 
park in the town of Saratoga dedicated to the historic surrender of 
British General Burgoyne to American General Gates on October 17, 1777.
  242 Years ago, the first and second battles of Saratoga marked a 
crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The courage 
and effectiveness of American troops during the battles broke the 
British Army's air of invincibility and led to the Franco-American 
alliance that proved crucial to winning the war. Today, that famous 
battle is memorialized in the rotunda of the Capitol with the famous 
painting by John Trumbull depicting General Burgoyne surrendering his 
sword to General Gates. That image was used to create a bronze relief 
that is displayed at the new memorial park. Many historians rank The 
Battle of Saratoga as one of the most consequential battles in history 
and I am glad to see this recognition for the heroism and sacrifices 
made that day.
  On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank 
The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, Open Space Institute, the Hudson-
Hoosic Partnership and Saratoga National Historical Park for their hard 
work making this memorial a reality. It is crucial that we honor the 
achievements and sacrifices of those Americans who came before us as we 
chart our path forward. I look forward to this memorial serving as a 
space for all Americans to come and reflect on our history while we 
contemplate the future.

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