[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17027]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PHIL AND BRYSON GAPPA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phil and Bryson 
Gappa for their act of patriotism and selflessness.
  As a visual statement to help others remember, Mr. and Mrs. Gappa 
created a memorial dedicated to honor those who sacrificed their lives 
for our country. One hundred and seventy hand-painted ornaments, each 
recognizing and honoring a Texas soldier killed in Iraq, adorn two 
large trees in the front lawn of their Lewisville home.
  The memorial and tribute to the soldiers also serve as a heartwarming 
display for families of the victims. One family described seeing the 
memorial as a special and spiritual experience. They were moved that 
the couple had put time and effort into a cause when never even having 
met many of the soldiers.
  It is with great honor that I stand here today to honor Phil and 
Bryson Gappa for their wholehearted public display of respect and 
patriotism. Through their contribution, they not only stand as devoted 
American citizens, but serve as an inspiration to others.

                          ____________________