[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         RECOGNIZING BANNOCK COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch 
and Representative  Mike Simpson, we recognize the 100-year anniversary 
of the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, on North Johnson 
Avenue in Pocatello, ID.
  This beautiful and beloved building adds to the appeal and history of 
the community. Architect Frank Paradice, Jr., designed the timeless 
brick building with a tiled roof and brickwork accents, and it was 
built by contractor Alex Mathers from 1924 to 1926. As the Idaho 
Heritage Trust described, ``This site is listed in the National 
Register of Historic Places as part of the Lincoln-Johnson Avenue 
Residential Historic District, though it stands in stark contrast to 
the typical craftsman/bungalow-style single family homes that typify 
the rest of the neighborhood.'' Earlier this year, community members 
came together to celebrate the grand reopening of the building after it 
underwent renovation following considerable water damage. Many worked 
to secure resources and restore this local asset.
  Over the past century, the building has been a cherished community 
treasure for the veterans and military families it pays tribute to, as 
well as for many others in the community who have used the building for 
special events. The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association 
maintains the veterans memorial building, which is a community center 
and hub for veterans' support services. Numerous veterans organizations 
hold regular meetings in its meeting and event space. Local residents 
have also hosted wedding receptions and other private events in the 
building over the years, and it has been the backdrop for photographs 
and other gatherings marking personal milestones and celebrations.
  The building also houses a memorial museum for those who have served 
in all branches of the military, with local servicemembers donating 
artifacts to its collection. An official replica of Pocatello native 
Sergeant James Edmund Johnson's Medal of Honor is among the esteemed 
items displayed at the museum. Sergeant Johnson was one of 48 awardees 
with significant Idaho connections to receive our country's highest 
military award for heroism by those serving with America's Armed 
Forces. His medal is a reminder of the bravery, grit, and unrelenting 
responsibility to others on which our great State and country are 
built.
  At the February 2026 reopening of the building, Bannock County 
Veterans Memorial Building historian Miguel Dominic recognized the 
veteran volunteers who have given immensely in service to our country 
and continue to sustain the building and serve the community. He 
reflected, ``May this memorial building continue to stand as a beacon 
of honor, fellowship and unwavering ideals for generations to come. As 
we stand together in this memorial building, we honor not only the 
heroes whose names and sacrifices are remembered here, but also the 
heroes who continue to serve within these very walls.''
  We wish the residents of Bannock County and Pocatello well, as we 
acknowledge the century the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building 
has memorialized Idaho Veterans, while framing countless, valuable 
conversations, achievements, and celebrations. Congratulations to the 
Pocatello community and Bannock County on this considerable milestone 
of an Idaho gem.

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