[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING BANK OF BOTETOURT'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cornerstone of our 
community, the Bank of Botetourt, as they celebrate 125 years of 
dedicated service.
  Founded as the Bank of Buchanan in 1899 and chartered by the general 
assembly, the institution began its journey on Main Street in Buchanan. 
In 1995, they changed their name to the Bank of Botetourt.
  Today, they have grown into a vital part of our local economy, 
boasting $800 million in assets and employing 133 individuals across 13 
locations.
  Covering 2,500 square miles, they positively impact the lives of 
residents throughout Botetourt, Franklin, Roanoke, and Rockbridge 
Counties, as well as the city of Salem. Most recently, they have 
expanded their reach by establishing new offices in Rocky Mount and 
Goodwill's Melrose Plaza in Roanoke.
  Throughout its remarkable 125-year history, the bank has been guided 
by seven dedicated presidents and remains one of only six Virginia 
State-chartered banks to have existed before the establishment of the 
State Corporation Commission.
  Mr. Speaker, I, once again, congratulate the Bank of Botetourt for 
125 years of outstanding, efficient, and courteous service to our 
citizens. May their success continue for many more years to come.

                              {time}  1030


       Recognizing Muhlenberg Lutheran Church's 175th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an incredible milestone 
for Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Virginia's Sixth District as they 
celebrate their 175th anniversary this year.
  Muhlenberg has come far from their humble beginnings in 1849 in 
downtown Harrisonburg. The first worship space was a small, wooden 
structure on the corner of Wolfe and Main, and the congregation boasted 
50 baptized members.
  The church grew in size and spirit, and after one century, Muhlenberg 
broke ground on its current location along East Market Street.
  The new soaring spire was topped with a unique ``Gospel cross'' 
containing four outward-pointing arrows. The cross is a perfect 
representation of the church's identity as members go forth in all 
directions to live out Christ's love.
  Muhlenberg's values can be seen in their work to establish People 
Helping People and Second Home to sponsor refugee families and to 
support numerous local nonprofits and global missions.
  Muhlenberg celebrated their anniversary with a homecoming banquet 
complete with live music, catered lunch, the unveiling of their 
signature quilt, and a special program recounting memories of the many 
saints who have gone before them.
  As they mark 175 faithful years, they look forward to many more, 
inviting all to gather at the wellspring of God's grace.


                    Honoring Gold Star Mother's Day

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor Gold Star Mothers and the 
families of our fallen servicemembers.
  Gold Star Mother's Day, observed on the last Sunday of September, is 
a tribute to the valor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 
service to our Nation and the immense pain their families endure.
  The Gold Star symbol originated during World War I when families 
displayed blue stars for their loved ones in the military.
  When a servicemember was lost, families would replace the blue star 
with a gold star, a poignant representation of the profound loss 
experienced by these families. It is a symbol of love, loss, and 
sacrifice.
  While we may never know the exact number of Gold Star families, the 
national Gold Star Family Registry reports at least 472,259 fallen 
military members are honored by loved ones. In Virginia alone, at least 
9,640 servicemembers have been recognized.
  Today and every day, we remember the bravery of our fallen heroes and 
acknowledge the tremendous sacrifice made by their mothers, fathers, 
siblings, and loved ones.
  Their families endured unimaginable pain, yet they show incredible 
resilience and strength. Their sacrifice shapes their lives and reminds 
us of the true cost of freedom.
  As we honor Gold Star Mothers, we extend our deepest gratitude to all 
military families. They are the backbone of our Armed Forces, 
supporting their loved ones through deployments and navigating 
uncertainty with resilience.
  As a Nation, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our 
servicemembers and their families. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to 
provide support and resources to help Gold Star families heal and honor 
the memories of their loved ones.


                        Recognizing Terri Tulley

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual 
from Virginia's Sixth District, Ms. Terri Tulley.
  Tulley served in the United States Marine Corps from 2000 to 2003 and 
broke her leg while stationed in Japan in 2001. Due to complications, 
her leg was amputated in 2020.
  Tulley went on to train for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 
a variety of sports, including swimming, adaptive fitness, softball, 
pickleball, air rifle, and cornhole.
  Tulley was one of 13 people chosen to compete in New Orleans in July 
on a team sent by the Veterans Affairs facility in Martinsburg, West 
Virginia.
  She competed in 7 events and left with 1 gold medal and 2 silver 
medals in swimming and adaptive fitness. She also placed in the top 8 
for pickleball and the top 10 for air rifle.
  Her remarkable athletic accomplishments and commitment to overcoming 
adversity are testaments to her exceptional character. Her achievements 
as an athlete, veteran, wife, and mother deserve commendation.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this achievement, we congratulate Terri 
Tulley on her remarkable feats and thank her for her service. On behalf 
of Virginia's Sixth District, I extend our deepest gratitude and best 
wishes.


                        Honoring Leonard Kraemer

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a special person from 
Virginia's Sixth District, Mr. Leonard Kraemer, for his amazing service 
to our country.

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