[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13447]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE AND COMMUNITY FREEDOM FEST COMMEMORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commemorate the contributions of the men and women who have served 
America while stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, 
Texas and members of the community during their Independence Day 
celebration.
  The Sheppard Air Force Base July 4th, 2000 Freedom Fest is a 
celebration of freedom recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of 
patriots in the past and celebrating the promise of America's future. 
In honor of this event and these contributions, I enter the following 
proclamation into the official record of today.
                                  ____
                                  
Whereas the friendship and understanding between the men and women of 
    Sheppard Air Force Base and Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, 
    and other North Texas communities are indicative of the strong 
    civil-military support so essential to America's strength;
Whereas since its beginnings in 1941 as a training base for B-25 and B-
    26 aircraft mechanics, Sheppard Air Force Base has continued to 
    play an essential role in training so many of America's sons and 
    daughters in critical skills that enabled us to win the Cold War;
Whereas it should be acknowledged the men and women of Sheppard Air 
    Force Base host Freedom Fest--a day of family fun--in appreciation 
    and gratitude of the military and civilian patriots of the past and 
    present so committed to the preservation of freedom;
Therefore, let it be known that the Sheppard Air Force Base Freedom 
    Fest celebration is a commendable event celebrating freedom, 
    liberty, community support, and friendship.