[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12068]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE CITIZENS OF OTTAWA COUNTY ON THE DEDICATION OF 
               THE NEW PERRY'S MEMORIAL VISITORS' CENTER

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to those dedicated individuals from Ohio's Fifth 
Congressional District who made this new visitors'center at Perry's 
Memorial a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, The new visitors center at Perry's Victory and 
International Peace Memorial is a welcome addition to this to this 
wonderful park, and one that has been long sought.
  The monument itself has long stood as an inspiring reminder of the 
enduring peace of nearly two centuries between the United States and 
Canada. It is a moving and educational destination for thousands of 
families.
  The park and monument commemorate one of the most important and 
decisive battles in American history. The victory of Commodore Perry 
and American naval forces over the British off the shores of this 
island changed the course of American history, and facilitated the 
westward movement of our nation across the continent. It ushered in an 
unprecedented period of peace and friendship.
  The visitors'center for the first time provides a means of explaining 
to visitors the significance of these events. It is the culmination of 
the efforts of many over a period of years. Some years ago I met with 
the leaders of the Perry Group, citizens joined together to promote 
this park, to begin discussions regarding the need for this center and 
how to achieve it. I commend the group and its strong leaders such as 
Judge George Smith and Ann Heidenreich Fisher for their tireless and 
successful work.
  I was fortunate to obtain approximately two million dollars in 
federal funds so that this project could come to fruition, and I wish 
to thank my colleague, Congressman Ralph Regula, for his invaluable 
help in making it happen. I also commend the superintendents at the 
park during this period for their efforts in support of this center, 
including our current Superintendent Ralph Moore, and his predecessors 
Dick Lusardi and Phyllis Ewing.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute 
to the diligent effort and unwaveting spirit of those individuals 
determined to see this project through to completion. Our communities 
are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens who care 
about the education that future generations receive so that our 
historical landmarks are preserved well into the future. I am confident 
that this new visitors' center will serve as an educational tool for 
all, and be our link to a piece of American, and Ohio, history.

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