[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 127 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E795-E796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GABE VASQUEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2024

  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. 
On October 25, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge took a momentous step by 
designating a remarkable natural wonder--what was then known as the 
Carlsbad Cave--as a National Monument. He described it as ``a limestone 
cavern of extraordinary proportions and of unusual beauty and variety 
of natural decoration.'' This decision marked the beginning of a 
century-long journey that would captivate millions of visitors from 
around the world.
  Nestled beneath the Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, 
this vast and stunning cave system has continued to enchant and 
inspire. Anyone who has been to Carlsbad Caverns understands how 
special it is--from watching the evening bat flight to descending more 
than 750 feet to reach the bottom, Carlsbad Caverns is a New Mexican 
treasure.
  Furthermore, in 1995, Carlsbad Caverns received an extraordinary 
accolade when it was designated a World Heritage Site by the United 
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 
This prestigious recognition not only celebrates the park's global 
significance but also ensures its protection and preservation for 
future generations.
  The Caverns are also critical to the nearby community of Carlsbad, 
supporting the local economy as tourists from around the world travel 
our beautiful district to travel nearly 1000 feet underground to view 
this natural wonder. Over 500,000 people visit the Caverns each year, 
supporting hundreds of jobs in

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hospitality, food service, and other tourism-related industries.
  None of this would be possible without the hard work of the park 
rangers, park service employees and support staff who have worked to 
protect, conserve and maintain Carlsbad Caverns for the last century 
and for centuries to come.
  Let us take a moment to celebrate Carlsbad Caverns National Park--not 
just as a site of state pride, but as a cherished national treasure.

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