[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 138 (Friday, August 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E769-E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ROWLAND FREEDOM CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 15, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Rowland Freedom Center as it opens its new exhibit commemorating 
the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. This exhibit 
honors generations of marines who have served our Nation with 
distinction and upholds the Center's mission to preserve military 
history and inspire civic understanding.
  Founded in 2017, the Rowland Freedom Center is a nonprofit museum 
dedicated to honoring those who have defended our Nation and to 
educating future generations about the value of freedom and patriotism. 
Originally known as the Center for Freedom and Flight, the museum was 
renamed in 2020 to recognize co-chair Herman G. Rowland, Chairman of 
the Jelly Belly Candy Company, whose leadership helped shape the 
institution's mission. Through its rotating exhibits and aviation-
focused displays, the Center serves as an important community resource 
for veterans, families, and students alike.
  The United States Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary Exhibit is the 
Center's most recent

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effort to connect the public with our Nation's military legacy. Curated 
in partnership with the Solano County Marine Corps League Detachment 
1486, the exhibit features artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that 
span the history of the Marine Corps from its founding in 1775 to its 
modern-day role in defending American values. Among the highlights are 
original marine uniforms, a nine-foot 48-star American flag, and 
artifacts from World Wars I and II, including sand collected from the 
beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima.
  As a Vietnam veteran and proud supporter of our armed forces, I am 
especially moved by this tribute. This exhibit honors not only the 
institution of the Marine Corps, but also the countless men and women, 
past and present, who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with 
distinction and proudly served their country on air, land, and sea. I 
commend the staff and volunteers at the Rowland Freedom Center for 
their dedication in making this exhibit possible. Their work ensures 
that our citizens understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by our 
brave marines to defend our freedoms and way of life.
  Mr. Speaker, the Rowland Freedom Center's United States Marine Corps 
250th Anniversary Exhibit preserves the stories and honors the 
sacrifices of our servicemen and women in defending the freedoms we, as 
Americans, have enjoyed for over two centuries. It is therefore fitting 
and proper that we honor this important exhibit today.

                          ____________________