[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 16, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       RECOGNIZING FOREST LAWN CEMETERY AND THE JOHN LAY SOCIETY

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                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Forest Lawn Cemetery and the 175th anniversary of the internment of its 
oldest resident, Mr. John Lay. The founder of Forest Lawn Cemetery, Mr. 
Charles Clarke and his wife, Mrs. Mary Anna Clarke, created a pristine 
burial site for Buffalo residents because of their generosity and 
commitment to the community. Mr. Lay, the first permanent resident at 
Forest Lawn, was blessed with the Clarke's donation to ensure his 
eternal resting place and left a legacy of prevailing beneficence.
  Forest Lawn Cemetery has continuously served both the past and 
present members of the Buffalo community, and is acknowledged as a 
place where grief can pivot to the celebration of life for permanent 
residents. The cemetery's monuments, architecture, and well-maintained 
landscape allow the history and accomplishments of those who have 
passed to be respected and remembered. This iconic cemetery is the 
final resting place of more than 165,000 individuals, recognizing that 
every life should be cherished and remembered with a peaceful rest for 
eternity.
  Today, we recognize the inaugural inductees into Forest Lawn's John 
Lay Society and honor the lives and legacies of those who lie at peace. 
Forest Lawn Cemetery's unwavering contribution to the preservation of 
Western New York's rich history has attracted and educated community 
members throughout the globe, helping to shape future generations, and 
we are all the better for it.

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