[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2026

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the 
Record the following proclamation on behalf of the National Garden 
Club, and their President Donna Donnelly of South Carolina, in honor of 
Memorial Day. I especially appreciate the significance of Garden Club 
as my mother, Wray Wilson, was an active member of the Garden Club of 
Charleston and was Garden Editor of The News and Courier.

       Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was 
     founded upon the enduring principles of liberty, self-
     governance, and the inherent dignity of all people; and
       Whereas, for 250 years, the American nation has stood as a 
     beacon of hope, inspiring free peoples around the world to 
     pursue democracy, justice, and peace; and
       Whereas the alliance between the United States of America 
     and the French Republic is among the oldest and most 
     cherished in modern history, forged in the cause of 
     independence and strengthened in the shared defense of 
     freedom; and
       Whereas, during the Second World War, the soil of Normandy 
     became hallowed ground through the courageous sacrifice of 
     American servicemen who crossed an ocean to liberate Europe 
     from tyranny; and
       Whereas, on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, including 
     brave Americans, embarked upon the largest amphibious 
     invasion in history, forever altering the course of the war 
     and ensuring the restoration of liberty to the continent; and
       Whereas the Normandy American Cemetery stands as a solemn 
     testament to the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of 
     those who gave their lives in service to a cause greater than 
     themselves; and
       Whereas, Memorial Day in the United States is a sacred 
     occasion to remember and honor those who made the ultimate 
     sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, both at home and 
     abroad; and
       Whereas the year 2026 marks the Semiquincentennial of the 
     United States, a moment to reflect upon our shared history, 
     reaffirm our principles, and honor the enduring bonds of 
     friendship with our allies;
       Now, therefore, I, Joe Wilson, Member of Congress of the 
     United States and a member of the House Armed Services 
     Committee, do hereby offer this proclamation in solemn 
     tribute:
       That on this hallowed ground at Omaha Beach, we honor not 
     only the fallen heroes of June 6, 1944, but all those who 
     have borne the burden of defending liberty across 
     generations;
       That we express, with profound gratitude, the enduring 
     friendship between the people of the United States and the 
     people of France, whose shared sacrifices have secured peace 
     and freedom for countless millions;
       That as we commemorate 250 years of American independence, 
     we recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave 
     souls fought and died--freedom, justice, and the unyielding 
     pursuit of peace;
       And that we pledge to carry forward this sacred legacy, 
     ensuring that the bonds of alliance between our nations 
     remain strong, and that the sacrifices of the past shall 
     never be forgotten.
       In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on this 
     Memorial Day, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-
     six.

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